Better protection for victims from domestic abusers under new law

This means agencies, including the police, are legally required to cooperate to better manage the risks posed by these serious offenders, recognising the significant harm this kind of offending can cause.

For the first time, it puts controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with other domestic abuse offences including threats to kill, attempted strangulation and stalking.

The Ministry of Justice said evidence shows offenders who are managed under MAPPA have a reoffending rate less than half of the national average

The law change means even more domestic abusers will fall under this management, in which agencies are legally required to share any information which indicates increased risk to others, such as former partners or members of the public.

Minister for Prisons and Probation, Lord James Timpson said: “Domestic abuse creates fear and isolation, and I will do everything in my power to tackle it and ensure women and girls feel safe in their homes.

“This new approach will put controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with physical violence and will help prevent these despicable crimes.”

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Philips said: “Domestic abuse devastates lives and affects more than two million people every year.

“For the first time, under this change to the law, coercive or controlling behaviour is being placed where it belongs – on a par with serious violent offending.

“This is an important step to recognise the harm caused by all forms of domestic abuse, ensure the most harmful offenders are managed in the right way, and ultimately keep victims safe.”

The law change will apply to all offenders who are sentenced to at least 12 months’ imprisonment, including suspended sentences, or given a hospital order for an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

It was introduced by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and was signed into law after Justice Minister Lord Timpson signed a statutory instrument early this year.

Previously, those convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour could be actively managed under MAPPA on a discretionary basis only.

“This measure will put beyond doubt the legal requirement for agencies to work together to assess and manage the risks posed by this group of offenders,” says the Ministry of Justice.

Chief executive of Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer, said: “Coercive control is a key tool used by perpetrators of domestic abuse, as it isolates survivors and makes them dependent on an abuser.

“Women’s Aid welcomes plans to treat coercive and controlling behaviours seriously, automatically managing those convicted of this form of abuse under the MAPPA.

“It is essential that specialist domestic abuse services, with expertise on abusive behaviours and the impacts on victims and survivors, are routinely included in the MAPPA process if survivors are to be properly protected by this measure.”