Extended definition of domestic violence

From 31 March a wider definition of domestic violence has been introduced by the government, which included young people aged 16 to 17 and coercive control, a pattern of controlling behaviour, for the first time.

The new cross-government definition will raise awareness about the many types of domestic abuse that can ruin lives and encourage more people to seek help.

The extension of the domestic violence definition builds on the launch of the Home Office’s Teenage Relationship Abuse and Teenage Rape Prevention campaigns to help young people identify abuse.

A joint Home Office and NSPCC young people’s panel – made up of those who have experienced domestic violence - has also been established to help inform the government’s work in this area.

For further information on the This Is Abuse campaign visit http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk.