France bans "psychological violence"

If you insult your wife or husband repeatedly, you could soon find yourself in court if you live in France.
The charge? Psychological violence.
That's what the new offence will be called if a bill backed by the government is passed by parliament.
Once considered a purely private domain, rows between married or cohabiting couples could now prompt intervention from the state.
The French government wants to take the controversial step of introducing a new law banning "psychological violence" between married couples or partners living together.
But there are questions about how such an offence could be proved.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8440199.stm