Open petition: Review evidential threshold in emotional and financial domestic abuse cases

Created by Demi Barker
Closes on 1 October 2026

In our view, prosecutors too often rely on visible injury or direct financial control when considering whether the evidential threshold has been met in domestic abuse cases. We therefore ask for a review of the statutory guidance on the evidential threshold in domestic abuse cases.

We believe that this guidance should better recognise patterns of coercive control, psychological harm and financial exploitation, including digital evidence, so action can be taken before abuse escalates. Psychological abuse affects most domestic abuse survivors and often precedes physical harm. Early recognition could prevent escalation and protect people sooner.

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