PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Amend the Domestic Abuse Act to tackle cross-border legal & financial coercion
Amend the Domestic Abuse Act regarding the prosecution of cross-border coercive and economic abuse, including the misuse of foreign legal actions (SLAPPs) as a form of ongoing domestic abuse that can cause harm in the UK.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
39
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 39/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 39/100,000
Background
We feel the current law only allows prosecution of coercive control abroad if the perpetrator is British or UK-resident. This can leave victims unprotected even when the harm happens in the UK. Abusers may exploit this loophole through economic abuse and foreign SLAPP lawsuits. The law should recognise and stop cross-border legal and financial coercion.