Petition · Home Office

Amend the Domestic Abuse Act to include abuse beyond partners or family

Open for signatures 47 signatures

What the petition asks

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.

Timeline

10 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 47
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 10 Apr 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.