ABSTRACT
Introduction This chapter focuses on domestic abuse in England and Wales, looking specifically at how it is defined, the scale of the problem, and some of the civil and criminal remedies that are available for victims. This chapter also looks at the criminal justice, health and inter-agency responses to domestic abuse in England and Wales. While the United Kingdom consists of four countries (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), the latter three have devolved administrations, each with varying powers. The UK Government’s policy on domestic abuse is predominantly the responsibility of the Home Office, a Ministerial Department that focuses on policing. The remit of the Home Office is England and Wales only. Domestic abuse in Scotland and Northern Ireland are dealt with by their own devolved administrations.
