CHRISTMAS should be a happy time but, sadly, it is not always the case for some couples and families. 

After changes to the law in recent years, psychological abuse within a relationship is illegal.

The offence of coercive control now recognises that domestic abuse can take several forms and is not strictly limited to physical violence.

The changes outlawed a number of things that were not previously covered by existing laws.

Anyone sufferning abuse can contact the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247

Laws enforced in England and Wales make the following 10 acts towards a partner illegal.

1. Sharing sexually explicit images of a partner

Laws surrounding ‘revenge porn’ make it illegal for someone to share intimate photographs of you with anyone, online or otherwise.

2. Restricting access to finances

Even if they earn more money than you, the law says your partner cannot stop you from accessing cash within the relationship.

3. Putting you down

Persistent name-calling, mocking and other forms of insulting behaviour are now illegal.

4. Stopping a partner from seeing friends or family

Monitoring or blocking of calls and emails, telling you where you can or cannot go, and preventing you from seeing your friends or relatives is now against the law. IF your partner isolates you from the people you love, they could face the wrath of the law. 

5. Scaring you

Your partner might not physically assault you, but if they are doing enough to frighten you, they are committing an offence. That could include using their size to intimidate or breaking things around the house.

6. Threatening to reveal private things about you

Repeated threats to reveal personal and private information is now classed as a form of abuse. It could include revealing details about health or sexual orientation.

7. Putting tracking devices on your phone

It is illegal under the legislation to “monitor a person using online communication tools or spyware”.

8. Being extremely jealous

Persistent accusation of cheating and “extreme jealousy, including possessiveness and ridiculous accusations of cheating” all come under the legislation.

9. Forcing you to obey their rules

The CPS says if a partner is forced to abide by stringent rules set by a partner, it could mean they are committing a crime.

10. Controlling what you wear

Your partner taking control over any part of your life is highlighted in the legislation, including restricting who you see and where you go. Controlling what you wear or how you look could also now be grounds for prosecution.