DOMESTIC abuse campaigners have welcomed a new consultation on adopting a law to criminalise non-violent abuse.

The Home Office consultation launched yesterday asks whether current laws should be strengthened to recognise that abuse can be emotional and psychological as well as physical.

Existing legislation regarding coercive or controlling behaviour applies to stalking and harassment, but does not explicitly apply to behaviour within intimate relationships.

The new law could cover Psychological harm caused by threats of violence, enforced isolation from friends or family or limiting freedom by denying access to money.

Women’s Aid chief executive Polly Neate said the proposals were a vital step forward.

“Two women a week are killed by domestic violence and in our experience of working with survivors, coercive controlling behaviour is at the heart of the most dangerous abuse,” she said.

And Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Victims who are subjected to a living hell by their partners must have the confidence to come forward.”