The Domestic Abuse Bill aimed at supporting victims and their families and pursuing offenders has been published today in what ministers say will be landmark legislation. It comes as it is revealed domestic abuse issues cost the country £66 billion a year.
The new legislation will broaden the definition of domestic abuse encompassing economic abuse, controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse. This will encourage everyone, including the victims to come forward and report the cases. The long-awaited legislation will also ban abusers from cross-examining victims in family courts. A Domestic Abuse Commissioner to drive the response to domestic abuse issues will also be appointed as per the proposed draft.
Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Victoria Atkins said- “The draft Domestic Abuse Bill recognises the complex nature of these horrific crimes and puts the needs of victims and their families at the forefront.”
It is estimated that around two million adults experience domestic abuse each year, affecting almost 6% of all adults. Women are twice as likely to be victims than men.
