A CHANGE of law to domestic abuse two years ago has led to more than 750 crimes being reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Victims who have been subject to repeated or continuous behaviour that is controlling or coercive have been able to record it as a crime since it was introduced on December 29, 2015.

In the first year of the legislation, there were 126 crimes reported with 32 per cent resulting in outcomes for the cases.

From last December to November, 628 crimes were handled with 19 per cent of them reaching outcomes.

Detective Superintendent Denise Worth from GMP said: “Coercive and controlling behaviour is a damaging form of domestic abuse to which victims often describe how they lose a sense of themselves.

“Our results indicate we are heading in the right direction.

"However we can’t rest on our laurels and together with our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) we need to do more to support and protect victims of domestic abuse.

"We have both trained our staff so that they can fully understand the legislation and know the best ways to support victims and signpost to relevant partners.

“We know from our own evidence that this type of abuse is less likely to be reported to us, which is why it is so important we effectively train our officers so members of the public know that if they report the crime it will be taken seriously."

GMP is urging people to trust their instincts about if they are being subjected to the crime.

This may include an act or series of instances of assaults, threats, humiliation, intimidation or other abuse which may harm, punish or frighten the victim.

It is also important to watch out for behaviour which may isolate people from getting support, exploiting them for personal gain and taking away their independence.

Deputy mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Hughes said: “Victims of coercive and controlling behaviour may not see themselves as a victim but the impact of this type of abuse is devastating.

"Controlling someone through fear, isolating them from friends and family, or constantly belittling or degrading them, takes away a persons’ identity and sense of worth.

“In Greater Manchester, I am pleased to see that this legislation and the work of the police and criminal justice system has empowered more people to speak out.

"However, while this should bring hope and confidence to others that there is help and protection available, there is more to be done.

"As Deputy mayor I will continue to work closely with our police, criminal justice partners and support services to ensure every victim of abuse gets the help they want and need.”

For more information about coercive and controlling behaviour can be found at gmp.police.uk/domesticabuse or by contacting GMP on 101.

For further support on domestic abuse, visit sittingrightwithyou.com or call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 236 7525.

If there is any immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, dial 999.