Petition · Ministry of Justice
Review evidential threshold in emotional and financial domestic abuse cases
Open for signatures
166 signatures
What the petition asks
In our view, prosecutors too often rely on visible injury or direct financial control when considering whether the evidential threshold has been met in domestic abuse cases. We therefore ask for a review of the statutory guidance on the evidential threshold in domestic abuse cases.
We believe that this guidance should better recognise patterns of coercive control, psychological harm and financial exploitation, including digital evidence, so action can be taken before abuse escalates. Psychological abuse affects most domestic abuse survivors and often precedes physical harm. Early recognition could prevent escalation and protect people sooner.
Timeline
| 1 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
166
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
1 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.