New plans on domestic abuse

Abuse in teenage relationships could be treated as domestic violence rather than child abuse under government plans, the Home Secretary said yesterday.

Theresa May also unveiled proposals to reflect that ongoing “coercive control” in a relationship can play a key role in domestic violence, rather than it being down to individual incidents.

The plans were welcomed by campaigners who said they would help support youngsters and “shine a light on the many victims who are constantly being controlled by their partners, and who may not realise that they are living with domestic abuse”.