Domestic Abuse Bill introduced in Parliament

PRIME minister Theresa May has vowed to tackle the "vile crimes" of domestic abuse by ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice and victims get necessary support as they rebuild their lives.

In a major step towards transforming the response to domestic abuse crimes, the government on Tuesday (16) introduced the Domestic Abuse Bill, which May said represents a "true step-change in our approach" towards domestic abuse crimes.

"Domestic abuse can take many forms, from horrific physical violence to coercive behaviour that robs people of their self-esteem, their freedom and their right to feel safe in their own homes, but the immense bravery I’ve seen demonstrated by survivors is consistent throughout,” said May.

"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."

It is estimated that almost two million adults in England and Wales are victims of domestic abuse every year, affecting almost 6 per cent of all adults.

Measures in the bill include proposal for a domestic abuse commissioner to champion survivors and hold local and national government to account on their actions and prohibiting the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts.

It will also introduce the first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse, which will include economic abuse, and enforce measures to further protect victims and place restrictions on the actions of offenders.

Pointing out that domestic abuse often takes place behind closed doors, home secretary Sajid Javid said “this landmark Bill is an opportunity to help those who suffer this deeply harmful crime and support those who bring the perpetrators to justice."

Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability minister Victoria Atkins said it "recognises the complex nature of domestic abuse, while putting the needs of victims at the forefront."

However, charities working with domestic abuse victims say the bill does not address the need for more refuges to accommodate domestic abuse victims.

Many a time, victims are turned away because refuges with diminished budgets cannot cope with the demand, they said.

Accepting that funding was “part of this jigsaw", and more amendments would be made when the bill passes on to the next stage of the Parliamentary process, Atkins told the BBC: "We're absolutely clear that refuge accommodation must be part of this bill.

"There is more work to do on this bill, but we wanted to continue the momentum, get this bill introduced before recess, so we have a clear run in the autumn to begin the process of legislating it properly."

Domestic service providers and human rights organisations have also urged the government to ensure greater protection for migrant women, regardless of their immigration status.

Chiara Capraro, Amnesty International's Women's Rights programme manager, told the BBC: "This is supposed to be a landmark piece of legislation that sets the bar for ensuring the protection and safety of people who experience domestic abuse.

"If some women are blocked from being able to access that support, the bill will fail."