SEVEN people have been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour in South Essex since a new law came into force in December 2015, the Echo can reveal.

In the latest case, officers charged Brian Walters, 46, of Somerset Road, Laindon. It came after they were called to reports of concerns for occupants inside an address on Monday, March 27.

Walters was charged with coercive and controlling behaviour and appeared before magistrates in Basildon. He was released on bail for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Wednesday, April 26 at Basildon Crown Court.

The new controlling and coercive behaviour law made behaviour such as emotional and psychological abuse and financial control of a partner a criminal offence.

Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner, according to the Office for National Statistics.

According to the NSPCC, one in five teenagers have been physically abused by their boyfriends or girlfriends.

Det Supt Kevin Baldwin said: “We can prosecute where there is evidence of repeated or continuous controlling behaviour. For example, someone could be controlling their partner’s social media, what they where and where they go.

“If someone is in fear that violence would be used against them then that also would fulfill the criteria.

“These cases helps us to provide further support for victims of domestic abuse.

“One of the ways in which we can help is by using a domestic violence prevention order.

“A superintendent can authorise that for 48 hours and put conditions to prevent the suspect from interfering with the victim, such as putting in place exclusion zones or preventing contact.

“This can then lead to a domestic violence prevention notice, which can last for 28 days.

“The victim can then decide how to seek help or what their options are from there.”

“There are currently four people across South Essex who are subject to a domestic violence prevention notice.”

Coercive behaviour is defined as an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation. Controlling behaviour makes a person subordinate by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and depriving them of the means needed for independence.Visit essex.police.uk/advice/domestic-abuse for advice.