New domestic abuse rules

20 August 2014, 16:59 | Updated: 20 August 2014, 17:11

People who psychologically abuse their partners could be charged under new domestic violence rules.

The UK Government is putting the idea forward to be considered by ministers.

Humiliating and threatening your partner could soon be considered as domestic violence.

The UK Government want to make it easier for victims to speak out.

Ruth was abused by her ex-husband she says...

‘The emotional side ten years on is something I still remember,  thats the one that wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Still when people say certain things i’m always reminded...it just can’t be wiped away.’

Ministers want to redefine domestic abuse again so that it includes both violence and psychological control.

There's already laws in place to cover acts of violence, stalking and harassment - but none of them refer directly to relationships.

The Welsh Government has been working on ways to tackle domestic violence by providing more protection and support in the delivery of it's services. 

Tina Rees from Welsh Women's aid says...

‘It will give an extra tool and a level of understand to the public and police into what domestic abuse really is.

It will get to the heart of domestic abuse being something more than someone just getting physically hurt so we really welcome the idea, we are really pleased.’

The new offences will give the police more powers to intervene.

As it wouldn't just cover violence but also psychological control which can cut off victims from friends and family, or deny them money or other means to live freely.

Two women a week are killed by domestic violence.

Women's aid say that controlling behaviour is at the heart of the most dangerous abuse and it needs to be stopped.