A NEW law on domestic violence, making it illegal for someone to exercise ‘coercive control’ over their partner, has been introduced today (Tuesday, December 29, 2015).
New powers will now allow the police to take action against those, who from December 29, emotionally abuse their partners or family members and offenders could face prison in the same way as those who are violent.
Coercive and controlling behaviour can include the abuser preventing their victim from having friendships or hobbies, refusing them access to money and determining many aspects of their everyday life, such as when they are allowed to eat and sleep.
The offence is subject to a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both.
Alison* from Warwickshire wishes that the law had been introduced when she was repeatedly emotionally abused by her partner: “In the beginning I was lavished with attention from a perfectly caring partner. It started subtly, with comments about my appearance, then slowly visits to the supermarket or the gym were timed, he monitored everything I did, I was constantly tracked and controlled.
“He told me every day that I was ugly and useless. It was like being on a rollercoaster of emotions and I was exhausted by it all. Looking back I don’t know how I managed as I was on constant high alert, always assessing, always planning, always appeasing – just surviving, not living.
“I finally left when the abuse became physical, if this law had been in place when I was being coerced and controlled it may never have become physical.
“My message to anyone suffering from any kind of abuse is to tell someone, a friend, police or a support agency. I still bear emotional scars, I still cry quietly and wish my children didn’t have to suffer and feel guilty that they may have a distorted view of what a healthy relationship is, but I’ve broken the cycle of abuse and feel stronger, wiser and more resilient. I know what I want from life and strive to achieve because I believe in myself.”
Detective Chief Inspector Vikki Reay from Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “We want to encourage anyone affected by domestic violence and abuse to seek help from the police or other partner agencies.
“Domestic abuse takes many forms and ultimately is about control, so this new law addressing coercive control should increase confidence in reporting abuse. Please do not keep it to yourself as this isolates you, which is what your partner wants as this increases their control over you – tell someone – your closest friend or someone you trust who can help you decide what to do next.”
We work closely with West Mercia Domestic Violence and Abuse support line where you can get more information about the support available to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
You can also visit West Mercia Police website, call the police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, in an emergency, always call 999.
*Alison’s real name is not being used in order to protect her identity.
