The definition of domestic abuse has been widened so it covers forms of non-violent coercive behaviour and under-18s for the first time.
It means behaviour such as preventing partners from leaving the house or having access to a phone could lead to a prosecution.
It is hoped the broadened definition will increase awareness of what domestic abuse is and who suffers it.
The Home Office says more prosecutions could be brought as a result.
It also wants more youngsters to come forward and access the support they need - for example, speaking to someone about the abuse or contacting a helpline or a specialist service.
'Horrific'The changes, which will be implemented in March 2013, follow calls from local authorities, police and voluntary organisations.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "These changes are about government taking a lead to help expose the true face of domestic violence, which is much more complex and much more widespread than people often realise.
"Suffering at the hands of people who are meant to care for you is horrific at any age. But it can be especially damaging for young people - the scars can last a lifetime.
"Campaigners, councils, the police - the people on the front line - have called for this new definition so that they can do their job and provide victims with the right support."
There is no specific criminal offence of domestic violence. Instead, a definition that refers to "incidents of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse" was adopted in 2004.
But ministers say that has led police and prosecutors to make too narrow an interpretation of the term and let some perpetrators off the hook.
TeenagersAndrew Flanagan, chief executive of charity, the NSPCC said: "Domestic abuse it not just an issue for adults, but also for teenagers. ChildLine receives around 3,000 contacts a year from young people about this issue.
"Teenage years are difficult at the best of times but a lack of experience in relationships and issues with self-confidence can mean young people feel they have nowhere to turn.
"Many victims, as well as perpetrators, come from abusive homes themselves and therefore don't realise how wrong these kind of relationships are."
Chief Executive of 4Children Anne Longfield said the plans to broaden the definition of domestic violence would be welcomed throughout homes across the UK, as it acknowledges that violence towards a partner can often encompass a variety of harms beyond the physical.
"However, there should be concern that these proposals may not have gone far enough by failing to encompass violence between other members of a family.
"Domestic violence is too often seen as partner on partner, but it far more complex than that, and needs wider definition."
19 Sep, 2012
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Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19640257#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
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