Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the introduction of the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill this week in Parliament.
The Bill was published in January and has undergone extensive scrutiny by a Joint Committee of MP’s and Peers making it the most comprehensive package ever presented to Parliament. This Bill’s extensive measures will work to support victims and bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
Caroline Dinenage commented:
“As a Champion of the Hestia ‘UK Says No More’ Campaign, I am is delighted that the Domestic Abuse Bill with 120 commitments to end the cycle of violence will be introduced to Parliament this week.
“This is this is a vital step towards supporting survivors and tackling perpetrators - our society has no place for domestic abuse.”
Measures in the Bill include:
- introducing the first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse, which will include economic abuse
- establishing a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to champion victims and survivors
- introducing new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to further protect victims and place restrictions on the actions of offenders
- prohibiting the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts
- providing automatic eligibility for special measures to support more victims to give evidence in the criminal courts
Justice Secretary, David Gauke said:
“This Bill marks a fundamental shift in our response to domestic abuse – establishing greater protections for victims, whilst ensuring perpetrators feel the full weight of the law.”
Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Victoria Atkins also added:
“Having spoken to survivors of domestic abuse, I have been both shocked by their stories and moved by their resilience and strength.
As a government, we must do all we can to support those who have suffered this horrendous abuse.”
