Jail for verbal abuse in marriage

HUSBANDS and wives could face prison for threatening or verbally abusing each other under a new bill.

The idea, backed by Prime Minister François Fillon, would see husbands or wives facing charges of psychological violence.

Threats, and moral harassment in the home would be criminalised in the law, which matches one already used in the workplace.

Abusers would first get a warning but could face three months’ jail.

Mr Fillon promised the bill last year in a speech on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

“The creation of this offence will let us tackle the most insidious situations, the ones that leave no physical scars but which still injure the victims inside,” he said.

Repeated insults, demeaning language and other harassment is seen as the first step towards physical harm, however the present law does not recognise this type of abuse.

Paris lawyer Yaël Mellul said that such a law would change the face of domestic arguments, although proving abuse would be difficult.

She said victims would have to gather evidence such as texts, emails or even recordings.