An Garda Síochána is appealing to victims of coercive control to contact them.

The offence came into effect on January 1st this year.

Coercive control happens when a current or ex-partner knowingly and persistently engages in behaviour that is controlling or intimidating - and is having a serious effect on a person.

The victim may fear that violence will be used against them, or they may be suffering serious alarm or distress that has a substantial impact on their day-to-day activities.

Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly said: "The victim of coercive control may have their freedom of movement reduced.

"Every aspect of their life may be controlled by their current or ex-partner, including access to their personal finances and the freedom to see family and friends."

Coercive control is the collection of small, seemingly minor incidents or details that in isolation are not a criminal offence - but when viewed together display abuse that is forcibly eroding at a person's quality of life.

An Garda Síochána have said they can provide support and information to victims of coercive control.

If a victim wishes to make a formal complaint, they can investigate.

But they say to investigate coercive control and prepare a case,they will need to gather evidence such as a diary a victim has been keeping, text messages and e-mails that highlight the abuse, and accounts from family and friends.

Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney, domestic abuse intervention and policy has the following advice:

"The Offence of Coercive Control came into effect on the 1st January 2019, and we want to encourage victims to report it to us", said Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly, Garda National Protective Services Bureau. pic.twitter.com/Hg6TBnA1Qk

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 9, 2019