The Meaning of Domestic Violence: Yemshaw v London Borough of Hounslow [2011] UKSC 3

Abstract

In Yemshaw v London Borough of Hounslow [2011] UKSC 3 the Supreme Court had to consider the definition of domestic violence, for the purpose of the Housing Act 1996. It rejected the view of the Court of Appeal that domestic violence was restricted to cases where there was the use of physical force against the victim and held that it should be interpreted to include the use of emotional, psychological or financial abuse. This article considers that approach to the definition of domestic violence.

Keywords:

• Domestic violence – homelessness – domestic abuse – housing