France Aims To Ban ‘Psychological Violence’ In Marriages

The French government proposed a new law banning “˜psychological violence’ in marriages. When it takes effect later this year, it will be the first law of its kind in the world.

The law, which will also apply to couples who are living together, is being implemented to stop people from insulting their spouses or partners during domestic arguments. Those who violate the new law could see a criminal record on their name.

Repeat offenders would be labeled with an electronic tagging system, according to the country’s prime minister Francois Fillon. If it proves successful, it could be introduced in other European countries in the future.

The law is mainly aimed at protecting women who are more at risk from attacks of this kind. “˜Psychological violence’ would include anything from lewd comments about their appearance to threats of physical violence.

Critics of the new law said that government should not be intervening in the private domestic arguments in which no one actually gets hurt. It is likely that more and more police will be called out when this law takes effect, but it will often be a case of one person’s word against the other.

France launched a TV ad campaign last year to try to emphasize domestic violence in the country. It showed a husband who regularly insults his wife, leaving her mentally traumatized. 157 French women were killed by their husband or partner, with hundreds more suffering domestic physical violence in 2008.

The new law was supported by the government and was set to come into effect within six months, according to a spokesperson for Mr. Fillon.