The Department of Justice have passed new legislation that will see coercive control or abuse a crime.
Under the new laws which were announced by the Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, those who are found guilty of subjecting their partner to emotional and psychological abuse will be prosecuted under the law.
In a move which has been welcomed by groups representing victims of domestic abuse, victims will also be given greater protection under the courts system if they are being domestically abused.
It is understood the Department of Justice have long since advocated for a change in the law as most domestic abuse cases are mainly focused on physical abuse rather than emotional and psychological abuse.
The new laws came into effect on January 1st.