Landmark domestic abuse bill to be introduced as Theresa May looks to add to legacy
The new statute would place a legal duty on councils to provide victims and their children with a secure home.
Tuesday 16 July 2019 13:55, UK
A landmark domestic abuse bill is set to be introduced in parliament as Theresa May attempts to pass laws to protect survivors.
Seen as a key part of the outgoing prime minister's legacy, the proposal aims to give better protection to those fleeing violence.
The Domestic Abuse Bill will lay out the first legal government definition of domestic abuse, which will include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical behaviour.
It will also place a legal duty on councils to provide victims and their children with a secure home.
A domestic abuse commissioner to champion survivors has also been suggested.
Although at this stage there will not be a debate during the reading to MPs, the introduction will pave the way for future discussions.
Mrs May said: "We have a duty not only to bring the perpetrators of these vile crimes to justice, but to support victims as they rebuild their lives.
"This bill will help us do just that and represents a true step-change in our approach."
Leading domestic abuse charity Refuge has welcomed the bill but says the criminal justice system is just "one part of the puzzle" in overcoming the issue.
Chief executive Sandra Horley said: "Domestic abuse is the biggest issue affecting women and children in this country today.
"As the bill stands it will improve the response of state agencies to women and children who experience abuse. This is much needed and we support these positive developments.
"But the criminal justice system is just one part of the puzzle when it comes to addressing domestic abuse.
"It is essential that within the bill there is a duty to provide sustainable funding for life-saving specialist domestic violence services.
"We also hope that the bill will incorporate the suggestions made by MPs and peers and will address the welfare system so it meets the needs of survivors, whilst giving priority access to housing and funding for women with insecure immigration status.
"Making the bill broader in its terms of reference will ensure this once-in-a-generation opportunity brings about much needed change to an epidemic."
The bill also lays out measures to introduce new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to place restrictions on offenders and prohibit cross-examination of victims by their abusers in family court.
Recent figures published by the Office for National Statistics show that 1.3 million women and 695,000 men were victims of domestic abuse last year.