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New domestic abuse law comes into force

Domestic abusers who control victims via social media or spy on them online could face up to five years in prison under a new law which is now in force.

The legislation will target those who subject spouses, partners and family members to psychological and emotional torment but stop short of violence.

It paves the way for charges in cases where there is evidence of repeated "controlling or coercive behaviour".

The Women's Aid charity said it was a "landmark moment" in tackling abuse.

The new law, brought into force in England and Wales, follows a Home Office consultation in which 85% of participants said the existing law did not provide sufficient protection.




It comes as Citizens Advice published figures showing a 24% rise in those seeking advice for domestic abuse.

'Limit human rights'

The Crown Prosecution Service said the type of abuse covered by the new offence could include a pattern of threats, humiliation and intimidation.

It could also involve stopping someone from socialising, controlling their social media accounts, surveillance through apps and dictating what they wear.

Alison Saunders, the director of public prosecutions, said: "Controlling or coercive behaviour can limit victims' basic human rights, such as their freedom of movement and their independence.

"This behaviour can be incredibly harmful in an abusive relationship where one person holds more power than the other, even if on the face of it this behaviour might seem playful, innocuous or loving.

"Victims can be frightened of the repercussions of not abiding by someone else's rules. Often they fear that violence will be used against them, or suffer from extreme psychological and emotional abuse.

"These new powers mean this behaviour, which is particularly relevant to cases of domestic abuse, can now be prosecuted in its own right."


Source : Click me

I heard about this a while ago, and then they said that it could be actually difficult to enforce.
It may be for part being one word against someone else's.

It could be difficult to enforce, when thinking about it.

People who act that way are clearly deranged anyway, which could then, maybe, come under the mental heath act. So could they spend 5 yrs in a prison or a mental hospital ?

They also threaten the safety of other family members and friends , as a threat to the victim. That is what the victim finds difficult to deal with.

If there is no action taken against the perpetrator, what is likely to happen then to the victim ? I don't think it's rigid enough to be honest and between the time of reporting the incident and it actually going to court, where is the perpetrator going to live. Some of these bastds are dangerous and very manipulative.

Then it starts all over again......

Probably down to the CPS to decide if sufficient evidence and of course another set of legislation to keep solicitors rubbing their hands at tax payers expense.