Skip to Content

Changes to help victims of controlling behaviour.

Family law.

The Home Secretary had announced new laws to help victims of psychological and emotional abuse by partners or family members.

It is hoped that the introduction of a maximum custodial sentence of five years and a fine will protect those subjected to abuse.

The type of behaviour that is covered by the new law can be the control of another person by an abuser in stopping them having friends, restricting financial access, and abusers that manage what the victim can and can't do in their everyday life.

Whilst many crimes of this nature also include physical violence, some don't and it is this new law that will help bring about prosecutions.

The new law has been introduced following the findings of a consultation on domestic abuse, which highlighted that 85% of respondents felt the existing laws did not afford sufficient protection.

Controlling behaviour was tantamount to imprisonment, slavery and torture with prolonged abuse found to escalate over time and in many cases resulting in complete control.

It's important that in any case of domestic abuse the victim knows that they will be safe and receive support if they take action against their abuser, some say that the existing domestic laws were sufficient and it was guidance for the authorities that was needed, but we feel that these new laws help to bring clarity. It is still the case that victims of such acts are not as aware as they could be to the protection available to them so the new laws and the publicity they receive will help and they also send a very clear message; that domestic abuse will not be tolerated, whatever form it takes.

It seems, at times, the problem lies with the guidance and training given to the authorities with a recent report finding that only 8 out of 43 police forces were dealing with domestic abuse adequately, whether the old laws were adequate or not, they failed the abused, will the new laws help? We hope so, but the importance of the implementation cannot be underestimated.

Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

Cohabitation Agreement

Cohabitation Agreement -
Many couples live together out of wedlock, some for the tricky trial period 'can we live together without killing each other', some co..

Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-Social Behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as activities that are unacceptable and reduce the quality of life for others, this could be by harassm..

Clare`s Law - Domestic Violence.

The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could ..

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

The legal rights of unmarried couples.

The legal rights of unmarried couples, regarding property. - In the event of the breakup of a relationship where the couple are not married what happens to the ..

Protecting your on-line memories

Protecting your on-line memories - In a recent survey over 2,000 people were asked what they think happens to digital images on Facebook if a user passes away, ..

Mediation Solicitors.

Mediation Solicitors.
Mediation is a process during which a couple is helped by an impartial third party (a mediator). ..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Dogs and the Law.

Dogs and the Law.
Does your dog need a license, should it be chipped are you buying it from a reputable breeder and is it covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act?..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' laws to defeat knife crime...

Computer & IT Law

Computer and IT Law.
Computer Law is concerned with controlling and securing information stored on and transmitted between computers. Computer networks contain..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top