Assault
Assault is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861. It is defined as intentional or reckless harm against another individual, and can include both psychological and physical harm.
There are different levels of assault. Depending on the severity of the harm caused, it can be charged as common assault, actual bodily harm (ABH), or grievous bodily harm (GBH). Common assaults will usually cause harm which will heal over time while GBH may cause life-changing or permanent damage.
Assault charges can also be applied to cases of domestic or sexual violence.
Each assault is different and how it is treated depends on several factors, eg. who was involved, where the assault took place, and whether there was any motivation. Things like whether there was any pre-meditation can also be a factor in determining the severity of the crime. However, it is usually the severity of the injuries caused which determines which category the assault will fall into.
We know that victims react to assaults in all sorts of different ways. People may lose sleep, feel angry and frustrated, and feel uncomfortable when out in crowded areas. We have experienced staff and volunteers who will work with you to assess your needs and give you the best support available in order to help you recover from your trauma.
