Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and older people

Certain aspects of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021, are important and relevant to social care practitioners.

Firstly, the Act brings the first statutory definition of what constitutes domestic abuse. The definition:

• recognises domestic abuse can be emotional, coercive, controlling or economic

• states both victim and perpetrator must be “personally connected”, ensuring relationships such as ex-partners and family members are captured

• is gender neutral

• does not extend to paid and unpaid carers unless they are also personally connected, such as a family member.