The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 at a glance

Table of contents

• What are the key changes that will be made by the Act?
• What measures does the Act include to protect and support victims from facing direct cross-examination from their abusers in the family courts?
• What will practitioners need to be mindful of when advising in this area?
• When are the changes likely to come into effect?

Article summary

Family analysis: The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021 and makes wide-ranging changes to the law, including as to the definition of abuse, the cross-examination of victims of abuse and orders that may be made by the court. Claire Molyneux, consultant at Mills & Reeve, outlines the key provisions and highlights areas for practitioners to be aware of.