New British law on controlling or coercive domestic abuse includes protection of access to social media

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 which became effective on Tuesday.

“Coercive or controlling” behaviour can now be prosecuted as a crime punishable by a fine and up to five years in prison. It can be applied only when the behaviour has had a “serious effect” on the victim’s life or causes them to fear violence if they do not comply.

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.

Controlling or coercive behaviour is “primarily a form of violence against women and girls”, the government's Home Office said. It advises enforcers to “consider the role of gender in the context of power and control” that exists in heterosexual relationships.

Authorities say stopping someone from socialising, controlling their social media access or using apps or spyware to put them under surveillance will be covered by the new legislation. It is supposed to apply only in cases where the offending behaviour is repeated or chronic.

The guidance says making threats to publish personal information – it mentions “outing” someone as a prime example – can also be viewed as criminal behaviour, as can repeatedly telling someone they are worthless.