New measures have come into force today, 5 October 2026, requiring courts to formally record when an offence involved domestic abuse. This marks the first time such a formal record will be made.
The new marker aims to help police, prisons, and probation services better identify and manage perpetrators, thereby enhancing victim protection. Previously, there was no consistent way to record domestic abuse as an aggravating factor once an offender was convicted, making it harder to identify abusers and manage risks.
Under these new rules, courts must state in open court when an offence involved domestic abuse, creating a single, clear record. This record will be shared across the criminal justice system, ensuring perpetrators are identified and managed more effectively through tailored interventions.
Minister Alex Davies-Jones stated this is an important step towards better identifying dangerous perpetrators and protecting victims. London’s Victims’ Commissioner, Andrea Simon, expressed pleasure at the implementation of these measures, highlighting their importance for justice agencies in identifying and responding to risks posed by domestic abuse perpetrators.
Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner, noted this represents a step change in tracking perpetrators through the criminal justice system. She added it will help ensure victims receive appropriate support and provide a clearer picture of domestic abuse within the justice system.