Domestic abuse often conjures up images of victims who have been beaten beyond recognition by their partner.
But a new law has just come into force that recognises there is another form of abuse that can be just as devastating- emotional abuse.
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Now, controlling behaviour - such as stopping your partner from socialising, confiscating passports or car keys to control their movements or tracking them using GPS apps - have become a criminal offence.
The law has been widely supported by domestic violence charities, including Women's Aid. Polly Neate, CEO of Women's Aid, says:
"Coercive control is at the heart of domestic abuse. Perpetrators will usually start abusing their victim by limiting her personal freedoms, for instance, not letting her see her friends and family and monitoring her every move.
"Emotional abuse is often followed by physical violence, so it's important the law supports victims to be able to report emotional abuse. Many women tell us that the effects of emotional abuse affect them longer than physical violence."
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For over ten years, mum-of-six June Churchill, 53, suffered emotional abuse at the hands of ex-husband Dave, leaving her suicidal and isolated. The abuse eventually culminated in violence and, in September 2014, he subjected her to a horrific attack that left her with extensive injuries.
David Churchill has since been sentenced to 17 years in prison.
She says: "I'm still having counselling to deal with the trauma. The new law sounds like a promising step and I hope it will encourage victims of emotional abuse to come forward before it spirals into violence. "
Karen*, 47, also endured two years of mental abuse by her ex. She says: "It destroyed my life. My ex isolated me from my friends and family, put spyware on my phone and would monitor my movements constantly.
"Some women don't think emotional abuse will be taken seriously, but this new law will hopefully give them the confidence to report it."
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For info, visit Womensaid.org.uk or call the 24-hour national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247