Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are personally connected.
It can include:
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
- Financial or economic control/abuse
- Online or digital abuse
- Stalking and harassment
- Sexual abuse
- Physical violence
It can also include ‘Honour’ based abuse (HBA). According to Karma Nirvana, HBA is “a form of domestic abuse which is motivated by the abuser’s perception that a person has brought or may bring ‘dishonour’ or ‘shame’ to themselves, their family, or the community”.
Domestic Abuse Legislation
In recent years, there have been significant steps taken to increase awareness, understanding, and support for victims of domestic abuse.
The relevant legislation in England and Wales is the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. In Scotland, it is the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018.
There are also other relevant laws such as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS – sometimes known as ‘Clare’s Law’).
It is good for individuals involved in sport and activity groups to have awareness of this legislation. But if an individual at your club or organisation wants to discuss the legislation, it is best to signpost them to a specialist, such as a local support service.
For more information, see later sections on Supporting Someone After a Disclosure and Referral Pathways.