New Law Could Prevent Domestic Abuse And Death In North East

A new domestic abuse law can help identify North East victims who are too scared or controlled to speak out.

This month, the new coercive legislation will mean for the first time coercive and controlling behaviour is criminalised.

For this reason, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird is launching a new domestic abuse campaign which is urging people across the North East to look for the less obvious signs of abuse.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of all forms of abuse and to increase the confidence of people who suspect they know someone who is a victim, to come forward and seek help.

The PCC says it's important everyone realises an abusive relationship is about much more than a black eye or a bruise on the face.

Vera told Metro Radio; "It could well make lots and lots of difference, now that the Police are trained to recognise what is going on. It could come as an immense relief to a lot of people who are suffering from this, but don't have a black eye to show, and therefore think that they can't make a complaint."