New law to imprison bullying partners

Theresa May is to unveil plans to create a new law making domestic abuse an offence that would carry a maximum five-year sentence.

16:55 20 August 2014

Under a new law that is being proposed by ministers, men and women who emotionally abuse their partners will be prosecuted and could face up to a five year jail sentence. 

 

Home Secretary Theresa May launched a consultation on creating a specific criminal offence for this domestic abuse. Under the plans, those who trap their partners in a “living hell” through a campaign of psychological and financial control will be penalized. 

 

Campaigners who are against domestic abuse have welcomed the proposals. 

 

Polly Neate, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: ‘This is a vital step forward for victims of domestic violence.

 

‘In our experience of working with survivors, coercive, controlling behaviour is at the heart of the most dangerous abuse.’

 

Mrs May said: ‘The Government is clear that abuse is not just physical. It is an appalling crime. Victims who are subjected to a living hell by their partners must have the confidence to come forward.

 

‘It is the worst possible violation of the trust that those in close relationships place in one another. It shatters the lives of its victims and, in some cases, leads to tragic and untimely deaths.’