The Act was enacted in response to the persistent prevalence of domestic abuse in England and Wales. The Act intended to provide a clearer and more robust framework by increasing awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on victims, strengthening the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting victims of domestic abuse, holding perpetrators to account, and enhancing the provision of support for both adult and child victims of domestic abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 landed in the statute books in April 2021and since then has been successful in establishing a statutory definition of domestic abuse, including economic and emotional abuse, creating the office of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and establishing non-fatal strangulation as a specific offense, and recognising children as victims.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was a positive foundation to respond to Domestic Abuse in England and Wales and 5 years on its time to reflect and develop. The House of Lords Select Committee on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was appointed on 27 January 2026. It will report by 30 November 2026. It will consider the impact of the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act, its effectiveness in achieving its aims, and whether there are any gaps in its provisions.
For more information on the work of Domestic Abuse Act 2021 committee please click on the link below to find out more.
Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Committee