Coercive and controlling behaviour is now a crime in Scotland

Controlling behaviour within a relationship is now illegal in Scotland.

New laws on domestic abuse cover not just physical abuse, but psychological and emotional treatment and coercive and controlling behaviour.

This can include things like abusers isolating you from friends and relatives or controlling your finances.

Intimidation also doesn’t have to be physical.

Someone may say you are stupid and worthless and that nobody else would be in a relationship with you.

Another type of controlling abuse could be threatening to report you to the authorities, publish information about you, or harm or kill your child.

They might want to know where you are at all times, or damage your property as part of their intimidation.

Whether or not someone is physically violent, this is already abuse.

If you have changed the way you live in order to keep you or your children safe from harm, it is possible that the behaviour you are experiencing meets the legal threshold for coercive control.

The Scottish Parliament passed the Domestic Abuse Act in February last year.

It also recognises the negative impact domestic abuse can have on children.

The Act also requires courts to consider imposing a non-harassment order on an offender convicted of a domestic abuse offence to protect their victim from further abuse.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ‘The Domestic Abuse Act makes absolutely clear that coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and a crime.

‘I am proud Scotland is leading the way with this groundbreaking legislation, which uniquely recognises the effect of domestic abuse on child victims as well as adults.’

A campaign to increase public understanding of domestic abuse and to encourage victims to seek help has been launched to coincide with the legislation coming into force today.

One survivor has urged anyone living with domestic abuse to seek help.

Roshni, 29, left an abusive marriage with support from Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid in Glasgow.

She said: ‘At first the marriage was so good, but after a few months I realised there was something wrong. He didn’t give me any money, so I always had to stay at home, I felt so isolated.

‘He was always pushing me and abusing me in front of my family and friends.

‘This was a really bad situation for me, I wanted to live with respect as a person. If you feel like you are in my situation being controlled or abused by your partner, seek help, it’s your life.’

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the confidential 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000247 or visit Refuge.org.uk.