Domestic abuse victims to receive ‘better protection’ amid huge change to violence laws

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
New measures have been bought in to further protect victims of domestic abuse

Victims who are still experiencing varying forms of domestic abuse from current or ex partners will now receive appropriate protection, even if they live apart from the aggressor. According to the government, controlling or coercive behaviour offences has been extended to protect victims who aren’t in the same households as their abuser.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The new measure comes as an independent review published last month found more than half (51%) of murder cases involved controlling or coercive behaviour. Lawmakers hope it will tackle abuse that continues after victims separate from an abusive partner or distance themselves from an aggressive family member.

In 2015, the government passed the Serious Crime Act - a law which identified controlling or coercive behaviour as a criminal offence. Under the Serious Crimes Act, victims can now seek better support if they receive economic, emotional and psychological abuse.

Safeguarding minister Sarah Dines said: "Controlling or coercive behaviour is an abhorrent crime that I am determined to tackle. Victims’ safety is paramount, and this updated guidance will offer wider protection to victims and will support the police to bring more perpetrators to justice.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Malin Andersson, who rose to fame as part of Love Island 2016, helped to launch the new measures. She said: “As a survivor of abuse, it’s so important to me that the Government is taking action to tackle coercive or controlling behaviour, because it’s not spoken about enough.

Helen was abused mentally and physically by her ex-partner William Goodayle. Stock photoHelen was abused mentally and physically by her ex-partner William Goodayle. Stock photo
Helen was abused mentally and physically by her ex-partner William Goodayle. Stock photo

“The psychological trauma of being in an abusive relationship can make victims feel very isolated. This new guidance will help those people to know just what coercive or controlling behaviour is and to come forward and report it.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1871
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice