Devon and Cornwall police have welcomed the creation of a new offence which will allow them to take action on domestic abusers before their behaviour has deteriorated into actual violence.
The Home Secretary has announced plans for a law making coercive and controlling behaviour illegal - for example preventing the victim from having friendships, or dictating when they can eat or sleep.
This kind of control is often a precursor to physical abuse but up until now police haven't been able to take action until someone's been assaulted.
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