A PARTNERSHIP initiative between Surrey Police and Surrey Against Domestic Abuse has launched a six-week focus on helping people escape controlling and emotionally abusive relationships.

Coercive control as it is known in law, covers a whole range of intimidating behaviours, including isolation tactics,degradation, mind games, dictating what to eat and wear. The victim may not even realise they are being controlled as this way of life gradually becomes the norm

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Furnell said: “Domestic abuse is about much more than just physical violence, and in fact the majority of abusive relationships are non-violent. Imagine living under the shadow of sustained emotional abuse and control, with that sense of fear hanging over you and your every move being undermined. Controlling someone’s life to this extent is a crime and one that can now lead to a prison sentence. Victims of this crime deserve, and will receive, Surrey Police’s total support.”

The seriousness and prevalence of this crime led to a new law against repeated or continuous coercive or controlling behaviour being put in place in December, with a maximum sentence of five years.

Anyone trapped in a controlling relationship, or anyone who knows a victim, can call Surrey’s Domestic Abuse helpline in complete confidence on 01483 776822 or visit www.surreyagainstda.info – more information can be found at www.surrey.police.uk where offences can also be reported online. In an emergency always dial 999 police say.