Non-violent controlling spouses can be jailed for up to five years in UK

Domestic abusers in Britain who control their victims through social media accounts, or spy on them online, could face up to five years in prison.

New powers will target perpetrators who subject spouses, partners, and other family members to psychological and emotional torment, but stop short of violence.

Legislation paves the way for charges to be brought in domestic abuse cases where there is evidence of repeated “controlling or coercive behaviour”.

The Crown Prosecution Service said a pattern of threats, humiliation and intimidation, or stopping someone from socialising, controlling their social media accounts, surveillance through apps and dictating what they wear could be an offence.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, said: “Controlling or coercive behaviour can limit victims’ basic human rights, such as their freedom of movement and their independence.

"This behaviour can be incredibly harmful in an abusive relationship, where one person holds more power than the other, even if, on the face of it, this behaviour might seem playful, innocuous or loving.

"Victims can be frightened of the repercussions of not abiding by someone else’s rules”.