Psychological abusers who control victims through social media face prison

'Being subjected to repeated humiliation or intimidation can be as harmful as physical abuse'

Psychological abuse can have a more lasting impact than that of a physical nature (Corbis)

Domestic abusers who control their victims through social media accounts or spy on them online could now face up to five years in prison.

New powers will target perpetrators who subject spouses, partners and other family members to psychological torment but stop short of violence. Legislation that comes into force today paves the way for charges to be brought in domestic abuse cases where there is evidence of repeated “controlling or

coercive behaviour”.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the type of abuse covered by the new offence could include a pattern of threats, humiliation and intimidation or stopping someone from socialising, controlling their social media accounts, surveillance through apps and dictating what they wear.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said: “Being subjected to repeated humiliation or intimidation can be as harmful as physical abuse, with many victims stating trauma from psychological abuse had a more lasting impact than physical abuse.”