Emotional bullies could face 5 years in jail as new domestic violence law comes into force - Mirror Online

Emotional bullies in relationships could be punished with up to five years in jail – as a law comes into force today.

Partners who cause severe psychological harm will be targeted through the Serious Crime Act.

Activists argue some extreme emotional abuse can have a more lasting impact than violence.

The behaviour can range from stopping a partner socialising, dictating what they wear, ­monitoring them online or spying on them with phone apps.

Victims are often told they are worthless, humiliated or threatened with violence.

Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said: “This behaviour can be incredibly harmful, even if it might seem playful, ­innocuous or loving.”

For the first time the Crown Prosecution Service can prosecute specific offences of domestic abuse if there is evidence of repeated, or continuous, coercive behaviour.

The time limit on many domestic abuse prosecutions will also be extended from six months to two years.

Campaigner Shireen Jamil, who suffered a severe head injury in an abusive marriage and was instrumental in having the six-month time limit abolished, called the law “vital”.

The mum-of-two, 60, worked with online charity Digital Trust and former Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd to get the law passed.

She said: “Long after the wounds fade, those left behind by coercive control sometimes never heal.”

Polly Neate, of Women’s Aid, called it a “landmark” moment.