We’ve had really good feedback on our Domestic Abuse Guidance Note.
However, in light of recent changes in the law and guidance (in particular the Domestic Abuse Act and the appeal in Re H-N), we will be revising this guidance note over coming months. For those interested in finding out more, take a look at our posts with #domestic-abuse. The headline is that there is likely to be reduced use of Scott Schedules and an increased emphasis on patterns of controlling, coercive and abusive behaviour rather than incidents.
There is a lot happening in this area at present, so we won’t be rushing to update this too quickly – we are hoping that there will be news about the implementation of the Harms Panel recommendations before too long which we can also incorporate when we revise the guidance note.
Watch this space.
Could anyone please tell me if the Domestic Abuse act is solely between two Partners? I had a friend that was abused daily by her step child (aged 19) Could this act be applied?
Hi Lisa, ‘connected persons’ in the Act includes a relative – but more importantly, your friend should be able to get some protection now under the existing law if she is a victim of abuse by a family member. She should contact her local domestic abuse helpline for advice.