A LAW firm is highlighting a change that means domestic violence now incudes financial abuse.

Redcar-based Cygnet Family Law said abuse has mainly been assumed to be physical, sexual or emotional, taking place between partners whether they are married, cohabiting, single sex or otherwise.

But this has been widened to include financial abuse - where a partner is deprived of money and knowledge of financial issues.

Deborah Greenwood, domestic violence expert at the law firm, said: "This is a significant step forward in the fight to wipe out domestic violence. Regardless of the social group, it is women who are more likely to experience domestic violence and intimidation at some point in their lives.

"We hope that by highlighting the fact that abuse can cover many areas it will encourage women to acknowledge their situation and seek help."

A spokesman for Redcar and Cleveland Women's Aid said: "Many women live in abusive relationships and think abuse is confined to acts of violence.

"However, the Family Law Act and modern day understanding of what constitutes domestic violence is helpful for the huge numbers of women contacting our service every year."