Domestic Violence Mini Site
Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what review has been made of his Department's definition of domestic violence as promised in the Summary of responses to Safety and Justice: The Government's proposals on domestic violence. [178815]
Paul Goggins: A review was undertaken within the context of work to address the specific needs of minority communities. The definition has been widened to incorporate violence by family members as well as between adults who are, or were, intimate partners. This was done to ensure that those issues of chief concern to BME communities, such as so-called "honour crimes" are properly reflected.
Following the review, a common Government definition of domestic violence was agreed. It follows the definition used by the Association of Chief Police Officers, and is:
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"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality."
Last update: Monday, October 16, 2006