Now controlling clothes and friends can be crime!

This coercion can include being excessively jealous, stopping someone from seeing family and friends or controlling what the victim wears. Last night Home Office officials confirmed the proposal would be considered as part of a review of how the police deal with domestic violence.

It will be examined by ministers alongside a report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary into how forces are investigating such crimes.

Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: 'The government is committed to working with the police and other criminal justice agencies to ensure the response to domestic violence and abuse offers the best possible protection to victims. It includes 'isolating' someone from sources of support, exploiting their wealth  and 'regulating their everyday behaviour'.