Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to a new domestic abuse offence of “coercive and controlling behaviour”, said:

“We called for the law to be strengthened and this is important, but unless Theresa May tackles falling enforcement of the law, victims will continue to be let down.

It is right that we recognise coercive and controlling behaviour in law. Many people have their lives destroyed by abuse which includes not allowing them to leave the house, refusing to give them any access to their own finances and controlling when they eat or sleep.
 
“However, under Theresa May, it has become harder for victims of abuse to get the justice they deserve. Although more abuse is being reported, fewer cases are making it to court, convictions are down, and specialist police have been heavily cut.

“So this new offence is welcome, but until the Home Secretary takes action to close this growing justice gap for victims of abuse, we will continue to see abusers walk free and more victims will be let down.”