Domestic abuse is more than just physical, its also about controlling and coercive behaviour, which is often overlooked.
A new campaign aims to warn people what kind of behaviour would be considered psychological abuse – and how common it can be.
It is highlighted in a video showing a woman receiving an endless chain of text messages from her boyfriend, demanding to know where she is and what shes doing.
The frequency and tone of the aggressive messages makes the victim in the video feel nervous and on edge.
Another victim recalls how not replying straight away, makes her boyfriend angry.
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Zena, who in 2016 was assaulted by her ex-husband, watched the two videos and said: People may not realise that messaging and turning up unannounced is abuse.
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I think its great that the police are sending the message that abuse isnt just physical.
Text on the screen tells victims you are not alone and encourages them to tell someone.
The two short videos will be played in GP surgeries across London to raise awareness that the signs of domestic abuse might not be as obvious as youd imagine.
The campaign was launched by the Met to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
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Doctors joined the police to identify that GPs and other medical professionals can offer support to those who suffer from mental abuse.
Zena added: I think showing this in doctors surgeries is an especially great idea.
Sometimes I sat there and wanted to cry and hoped that people would just ask the right questions.
Seeing the woman in the video break down is what got me. Anything the police do to raise awareness is positive.
DCI Richard Vandenbergh, who came up with the campaign, said he hoped the videos would strike a chord with those experiencing domestic abuse, and encourage them to come forward and report it.
The videos are supported by Womens Aid, Refuge, NHS England and the London Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.
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Womens Aid chief executive Katie Ghose said: From our work with survivors, we know that for many women, their doctors surgery or hospital might be the only place where they are alone and feel safe enough to disclose their experience of domestic abuse, especially coercive and controlling behaviour.
Health professionals, like GPs or nurses, can play a huge role in ensuring that survivors get the support they need to escape this form of abuse.
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