Domestic violence law extended to help victims not living with abusers

Domestic violence laws broadened to include abusers who do not live with their victims

• Domestic violence laws extended to include abusers who don’t live with victims
• Controlling or coercive behaviour introduced as offence in Serious Crime Act

Domestic abuse victims who do not live with their abuser will receive better protection against threats and intimidation, the Government has announced.

The controlling or coercive behaviour offence has been extended to cover victims who do not live with the family member or ex-partner abusing them.

Helping to launch the new guidelines, Love Island star Malin Andersson said: ‘As a survivor of abuse, it’s so important to me that the Government are taking action to tackle coercive or controlling behaviour, because it’s not spoken about enough.

‘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.’

Helping to launch the new guidelines, Love Island star Malin Andersson (pictured) said: ‘As a survivor of abuse, it’s so important to me that the Government are taking action to tackle coercive or controlling behaviour, because it’s not spoken about enough’

In September 2020, Malin’s ex-boyfriend Tom Kemp, 28, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court after admitting to actual bodily harm, which left the reality star ‘black and blue’ – but he was released three months later (Malin pictured with her injuries, taken at the time)

The controlling or coercive behaviour offence has been extended to cover victims who do not live with the family member or ex-partner abusing them (File image)

In September 2020, Malin’s ex-boyfriend Tom Kemp, 28, was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court after admitting to actual bodily harm, which left the reality star ‘black and blue’ – but was released three months later.

Controlling or coercive behaviour was introduced as a criminal offence in the Serious Crime Act 2015 and can include economic, emotional or psychological abuse and threats alongside physical or sexual violence.

READ MORE: Malin Andersson shares a photo of her neck scars as she posts empowering message about domestic abuse 

More than half (51 per cent) of murder cases looked at in an independent review published last month involved controlling or coercive behaviour.

Abuse can continue after victims separate with an abusive partner, or get worse as the perpetrator wants to keep control over their victim, the Government says.

New guidance, put together with help from charities, police and legal experts, and domestic abuse victims, will help identify offences and help police and other agencies understand how to gather evidence.

The guidance will also provide clearer advice to support victims and advice on how to safely identify and respond to threats, intimidation, manipulation and other forms of controlling or coercive behaviour.

The Government hopes the new measures will help increase the number of successful prosecutions for the crime.

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.’

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