Definition of assault:
Inflicting intentional or reckless harm towards another individual is the general definition of assault. This page is a general guide, and you should always seek advice that is specific to your circumstances. There are various types of assault, these are detailed below.
Verbal Assault:
Verbal assault is committed when someone intentionally or recklessly threatens you with physical harm. They may also use threatening gestures such as using a raised voice with a raised fist in an aggressive manner. Although physical harm may follow an assault, no violence needs to be used.
Physical assault:
Physical assault can be classed by things like:-
- Spitting,
- Shoving,
- Punching,
- Slamming someone against the wall,
- Kicking
Battery
This is the general term for when the physical assault is committed violently and to do serious harm.
Actual Bodily Harm (ABH)
ABH is when an individual suffers an injury as a result of the assault. This could include puncture wounds, broken teeth, minor wounds, or abrasions. This harm does not need to be serious or permanent but must be more than “trifling or transient”. This can also include situations where the victim suffers psychological harm.
Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
GBH is similar to ABH but would be considered in situations when the injuries are more serious. This could include broken bones, more severe surface wounds, substantial loss of blood, psychological damage. If an injury results in a permanent disability this would also be classed as GBH.
The main basis of GBH is that the person intended to harm, or passively allowed the harm to occur intentionally. So even if minor harm was intended but a serious injury resulted, the perpetrator could be charged with GBH.
Causing Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) with intent
This is the most serious of the assault offences and involves situations in which someone intended to cause very serious harm to the victim. For such a charge to succeed in court, the prosecution would need to prove that there was intent to cause grievous bodily harm, not simply that the injuries were caused.
Factors that may indicate the specific intent include:
- A repeated or planned attack,
- Deliberate selection of a weapon or adaptation of an article to cause injury (such as breaking glass before an attack)
- Making prior threats to harm,
- Using an offensive weapon against the victim’s head (including kicking their head)
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