Is domestic violence a crime?

There is no single criminal offence of domestic violence. However, there are several types of behaviours and actions, which take place within a domestic violence situation, which are criminal offences. These include:

• assault
• threats to kill
• criminal damage
• wounding
• attempting to choke
• harassment
• putting people in fear of violence
• rape
• sexual assault
• exposure

Some types of domestic violence, such as some forms of emotional abuse, are not classified as illegal. However, regardless of whether or not a crime has been committed the police can help by providing support, information, and advice to domestic violence victims as well as referrals to support agencies, if appropriate.