Emotional abuse should be criminalised, says Theresa May

Government to launch consultation on strengthening the law to protect victims of psychological abuse

Police officers respond to an incident of domestic abuse
(Image credit: Oli Scarff - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

The government has announced that it will begin a consultation on making psychological abuse a criminal offence, in a move that has been welcomed by campaigners.

Theresa May said the government needs to make it clear that emotional abuse can be "a living hell" for victims and tougher laws are needed. "I want perpetrators to be in no doubt that their cruel and controlling behaviour is criminal," she told the Guardian.

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