Part 1Offence as to domestic abuse

Engaging in course of abusive behaviour

1Abusive behaviour towards partner or ex-partner

1

A person commits an offence if—

a

the person (“A”) engages in a course of behaviour which is abusive of A's partner or ex-partner (“B”), and

b

both of the further conditions are met.

2

The further conditions are—

a

that a reasonable person would consider the course of behaviour to be likely to cause B to suffer physical or psychological harm,

b

that either—

i

A intends by the course of behaviour to cause B to suffer physical or psychological harm, or

ii

A is reckless as to whether the course of behaviour causes B to suffer physical or psychological harm.

3

In the further conditions, the references to psychological harm include fear, alarm and distress.