25/11/2011 Standing Committee
States should consider introducing the notion of ‘psychological violence’ into their criminal law, according to PACE Standing Committee. Psychological violence in the context of intimate relationships is widespread, primarily affecting women as victims and the children who witness it, but also men, said the committee, approving a report by Elvira Kovacs (Serbia, EPP/CD).
It can take a variety of forms, such as verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment or isolating the victim, but always places them “in a position of subjugation”.