Parly to consider domestic violence bill

It defines domestic violence as any controlling or abusive behaviour that harms the health or safety of a person. It includes physical abuse and threat, sexual abuse or threat, emotional verbal or psychological abuse, economic abuse, intimidation, harassment, damage to property and where the applicant and the respondent do not stay in the same home, entry into the person's home without his or her consent. Unlawful detention or stalking also constitute domestic violence.

Domestic relationship means a relationship between an applicant and the respondent who are married to each other or cohabiting. It includes couples who have a child together or family members, even those related by affinity if the persons were cohabiting or could be married to each other if they share the same residence.