Domestic Abuse Law Reform: Landmark Bill Passes with New Protections for Victims

The Domestic Abuse Reform Bill has been passed by Parliament with overwhelming cross-party support, ushering in the most significant overhaul of domestic abuse legislation in a generation.

The bill creates a statutory definition of coercive and controlling behaviour, establishes dedicated domestic abuse courts, and introduces a national register of domestic abuse perpetrators. Domestic abuse charities welcomed the changes, saying they would make prosecutions easier.

The bill mandates the creation of specialist domestic abuse courts across England and Wales, building on successful pilot schemes. The first tranche of 20 courts will be operational by the end of 2026, with a further 30 to follow in 2027.

A new national register of domestic abuse perpetrators will require courts to notify police when an individual is convicted of a domestic abuse offence. Registered individuals will be subject to monitoring and required to attend perpetrator intervention programmes.

Refuge chief executive Ruth Davison said the legislation finally puts coercive control on the same legal footing as physical violence, which is where it belongs. Women's aid organisations have broadly welcomed the bill but warned that implementation will require adequate funding.