England & Wales · 1861
Offences Against the Person Act 1861
Protects: Anyone subjected to assault or wounding.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
The main statute for assault offences charged in domestic abuse cases: actual bodily harm (s.47), grievous bodily harm/wounding (s.20), and GBH with intent (s.18).
Key provisions
s.47 ABH
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm — bruising, scratches, psychiatric harm. Up to 5 years.
s.20 GBH/wounding
Inflicting really serious harm or wounding without intent. Up to 5 years.
s.18 GBH with intent
Most serious — wounding or causing GBH with intent. Maximum life imprisonment.
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
- Restraining Order on conviction →
ss.18, 20, 47 + s.5 PHA 1997Decision point: ABH/GBH/s.18 convictions routinely attract restraining orders and feed DAPO threshold.
Bail decisions
ss.18, 20, 47Decision point: severity drives bail conditions and remand (Bail Act 1976 — substantial grounds for fear of further offences against the same complainant).