Under the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) domestic abuse is defined as abusive behaviour between two individuals over 16 who are personally connected to one another. Many forms of domestic abuse are crimes, such as assault, harassment, rape, criminal damage, keeping you locked up in the house. 

Being assaulted, sexually abused, harassed, or threatened by a partner or family member is a crime just as it would be if committed by a stranger. 

Under the act coercive control was also defined as illegal. Coercive control is often a pattern of behaviour which enables an individual to exert power or control over the victim. 

The coercive control offence carries a penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine. The offence is applicable when the behaviour has a serious effect on the victim and is done repeatedly by the perpetrator knowing it has a serious effect.

The offence now extends to former partners and family members living in separate homes.

Under Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, you have the right to make an application for information to the police about your partner, or ex-partner, if you are worried about any past domestic abuse which may pose you a risk. 

If you are over 16 you have a right to ask the police for information about your partner regardless of gender, sexuality, and ethnicity. If the police find a record of abusive and violence behaviours which could put you at risk, they may share that information with you. 

You can find more information and apply on the Avon and Somerset Police website.