The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 only recognises abuse between people who are “personally connected,” meaning intimate partners or family members. Abuse can occur in other domestic settings, such as shared housing and victims in these situations will not receive the same protection under the law.

Many victims of abuse are excluded from the protections of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 because the law only covers abuse between partners or family members. The Act uses the term “personally connected,” which does not reflect modern housing arrangements, where people may live with or share space with others who can cause harm. Without legal recognition, these victims struggle to access support services, protection orders, or justice.