The new law on domestic violence announced recently by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, comes after the government’s consultation earlier this year which sought views on whether the current law on domestic abuse needs to be strengthened to offer better protection to victims.

The new offence created is intended to protect victims from “coercive and controlling behaviour” and will outlaw sustained patterns of behaviour that stop short of serious physical violence, but amount to extreme psychological and emotional abuse.The offence will carry a sentence of up to five years imprisonment.

As specialist family lawyers, we at Ison Harrison often meet with victims of domestic abuse and see the devastating effect this can have on people’s lives. The new law will add to the existing laws protecting victims from acts of violence, stalking and harassment. It will mean protection for victims of extreme emotional and psychological abuse.

In addition to the powers available to the Police, we would urge anybody affected by domestic violence to contact one of our specialist family lawyers so that they are aware of the legal remedies which might be available to them through the Courts.

This article was written by Parveen Ahmed Family Solicitor at Ison Harrison.  If you would like to contact Parveen please call 0113 200 7427 or e-mail at parveen.ahmed@harrisonbundey.co.uk 

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