Overview

The Domestic Abuse Bill aims to improve the way domestic abuse is handled in the UK. It creates a Domestic Abuse Commissioner, strengthens legal protections for victims, and introduces new offenses related to domestic abuse. It also aims to prevent cross-examination of victims by abusers in family court proceedings. The bill applies to England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Description

Domestic Abuse Commissioner

The bill establishes a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to oversee and improve practices in preventing and responding to domestic abuse. The Commissioner will have several functions, including monitoring services, making recommendations to authorities, and carrying out research. They will also establish an Advisory Board to provide advice.

Legal Protections for Victims

The bill introduces Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders, allowing police and courts to impose restrictions on abusers' behaviour, such as contact restrictions or exclusion from the family home. These orders can be made in various legal proceedings including family, criminal, and civil cases. The bill also makes changes to the way domestic abuse cases are handled in family court, prohibiting in-person cross-examination of victims by abusers in most circumstances.

New Offences

In England and Wales and Northern Ireland the bill introduces extra-territorial jurisdiction for certain violent and sexual offences committed outside the UK, meaning that UK nationals or habitual residents could be prosecuted in the UK for these crimes. Northern Ireland also gets a new specific offence of domestic abuse.

Other Provisions

The bill includes provisions for special measures in court for victims giving evidence and for polygraph conditions for some offenders released on licence. Secure tenancies may also be granted to victims of domestic abuse in England.

Government Spending

The bill will involve government expenditure for the funding of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner's office and the provision of staff, accommodation, equipment, and other resources.

Groups Affected

The bill will affect:

• Victims of domestic abuse: The bill aims to provide them with stronger legal protections and support.
• Perpetrators of domestic abuse: They will face stricter penalties and restrictions on their behavior.
• Police forces: They will have new powers under the bill, including the ability to issue Domestic Abuse Protection Notices.
• Courts: The bill introduces new legal procedures and powers for courts in relation to domestic abuse cases.
• Public authorities: They will have a duty to cooperate with the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and respond to their recommendations.
• Charities and other organisations that work with victims of domestic abuse: They will have the opportunity to contribute to the work of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner.
• UK Nationals living abroad: The bill expands the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the UK for certain offences, potentially allowing prosecution in the UK even if the offence took place outside the country.

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