The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 redefined domestic violence, compelling local authorities to aid survivors.

The 2021 Act is expected to address the multifaceted issue of domestic abuse in the UK by introducing measures such as a statutory definition, the creation of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner's office, and new protection orders. With an estimated annual cost of £247 to £300 million for England and Wales, the act emphasises prevention, victim support, and legal measures to combat the pervasive societal impact of domestic abuse.

Data surrounding domestic violence is hard to quantify, as abuse is commonly committed in the home and goes unreported to the police. According to a 2022 Crime Survey for England and Wales, approximately 1 in 5 adults aged 16 years and over (10.4 million) had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16 years. Furthermore, responses to domestic abuse and support for victims vary significantly across the UK, being deemed a 'patchwork of provision' by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, with "less than half of victims and survivors being able to access the community-based support that they wanted", demonstrating the challenges that currently face domestic abuse support. 

In March of 2022, the Home Office launched the new Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan informed by victims and survivors. Recent legislative changes elevate coercive behaviour to the severity of physical violence, ensuring active management of offenders.

The Institute of Government & Public Policy's Fourth Annual Tackling Domestic Violence and Abuse Conference 2024 has been designed to highlight practical approaches to engaging perpetrators and fostering collaborative partnerships for comprehensive victim care.

Join us for The Fourth Annual Tackling Domestic Violence and Abuse Conference 2024, which proudly unfolds as a face-to-face event, offering a dynamic platform for in-person engagement. Recognising the diversity within the tapestry of domestic abuse experiences, we are dedicated to amplifying voices from the LGBTQ+ community, shedding light on the unique challenges they face. Additionally, our discussions extend to the profound impact of domestic abuse on children, exploring their journey into adulthood. Embracing inclusivity, we address the often-overlooked issue of men as domestic violence victims, ensuring a comprehensive dialogue on breaking the silence and fostering support for all affected individuals.