England, Wales ban ‘controlling’ domestic behavior
LONDON — People who use repeated threats, humiliation and intimidation to control their intimate partners or family members could face prosecution in England and Wales under a law that became effective on Tuesday.
Central government guidance for police enforcement published earlier in December says it closes a gap in existing laws, and quotes a 2007 report suggesting that coercive control is the most common and dangerous way in which women are abused.
Authorities say stopping someone from socializing, controlling their social media access or using apps or spyware to put them under surveillance will be covered by the new legislation.
The guidance says making threats to publish personal information — it mentions “outing” someone as a prime example — can also be viewed as criminal behavior, as can repeatedly telling someone they are worthless.