The Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Bill received Royal Assent on Monday 1st March 2021.
The Act, named the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, is now available on legislation.gov.uk at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/primary+secondary/2021?title=Domestic%20Abuse
As you will be aware, this is a landmark piece of legislation for Northern Ireland that will criminalise a course of abusive behaviour including both physical and non-physical abusive behaviours (including controlling and coercive behaviour).
Along with the introduction of the new domestic abuse offence, the general statutory aggravator and child aggravators, a number of associated reforms to criminal procedure, evidence and sentencing are also included within the legislation.
