THE FRENCH government is considering the introduction of a law to punish those who repeatedly insult or threaten their spouse or partner.
The proposed law, which would make “psychological violence” a criminal offence, is aimed mainly at protecting women from threats and intimidation in the home. It would apply to husbands and wives, as well as cohabiting couples.
Police would be urged to issue a caution in the first instance of a reported crime, but repeat offenders could face a fine, electronic tagging or jail.
Announcing the proposal, prime minister François Fillon said: “It is an important move forward as 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.”
Reports suggest the law could cover every kind of slur from repeated rude remarks about a partner’s appearance and false allegations of infidelity to threats of physical violence.
Sceptics however have suggested that verbal violence could in some cases be impossible to prove and questioned how any law could be enforced.
Harassment of the sort the proposed law aims to punish when it occurs in private life has been an offence in professional settings since 2002.