Domestic abuse and violence have been variously tackled within the criminal and civil process. For the last decade violence against women and girls has been the focus for front line professionals in the statutory and voluntary sector and for those campaigning for law reform, culiminating in the enactment of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The Blackstone's Guide to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is divided into four Parts. Part One will examine the context and background to the Act, providing a quick and accessible overview of the Act. Part Two breaks the Act down in full, providing a definition, meaning, and interpretation, as well as applications, or predicted applications, of use to practitioners practicing within the courts. Part Three considers the ongoing campaign for reform and the very latest developments which may have a bearing on practice, while also acknowledging and critiquing the limitations and omissions in the Act. The full text of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is reprinted in Part Four.

This Blackstone's Guide will explore the Act's provisions in a structured, sequential manner, with full consideration of the Act's coverage and its limitations.