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<p>The Crime Survey for England and Wales provides comprehensive data on the nature
of domestic violence and abuse, and there is now a widespread understanding that domestic
abuse is not just about violence. In recognition of this, in March 2013, we expanded
the Government’s non-statutory definition of domestic violence and abuse to capture
coercive and controlling behaviour.<br><br>In 2014, we consulted on whether the legal
framework to protect victims of domestic abuse should be strengthened, recognising
that coercive and controlling behaviour can be harder to recognise but can have an
equally devastating impact on its victims. The majority of respondents to the consultation
agreed that there is a gap in the law, and we are now legislating to close this gap.
A summary of the evidence collected from the consultation is published at: <br><a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-law-on-domestic-abuse"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-law-on-domestic-abuse</a><br><br>We
are committed to improving the way data on domestic abuse including coercive and controlling
behaviour is collected. New guidelines have been issued to the police on collecting
domestic abuse data against a clear national standard. We are also developing a reliable
and safe model for surveying victims of domestic abuse.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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