UK: New domestic abuse law comes into force

Article here. Excerpt:

'A new law to give more protection to victims of domestic abuse has come into force.

The Domestic Abuse law means courts can give greater punishments to offenders while offering more protection to victims.

Offenders could now be jailed for up to five years and be given an unlimited fine for offences including coercion and controlling behaviour.

Lisa Leventhal from the Jersey Women's Refuge said the law would support victims as well as punish offenders.

She said: "It's preventative, and it also validates survivors experiences where... they feel that they're in some kind of acceptable relationship and [are] not.'