I was proud to speak in the debate on the Domestic Abuse Bill last year. This is an issue that affects 1 in 4 women, and it has been a privilege to get to know the genius women working tirelessly behind our local support services: East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (ESDAS) and Reigate and Banstead Women's Aid (RBWA).
I am delighted that the bill will be strengthened on some of the key issues that they and so many others have campaigned for, such as:
- Making non-fatal strangulation a specific criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in prison
- Strengthening legislation around controlling or coercive behaviour – no longer making it a requirement for abusers and victims to live together
- Widening so-called ‘revenge porn’ laws to include threats to disclose intimate images with the intention to cause distress
- Providing special measures in civil courts similar to those available in family courts, such as protective screens
- Making it easier for victims who may prefer not to report abuse to avoid being cross-examined in person
- Preventing abusive ex-partners from repeatedly dragging their victims back to court
- Requiring public authorities conducting domestic homicide reviews to send a copy of their completed reports to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, strengthening the opportunity to learn lessons and prevent future deaths.
DONATE TO ESDAS HERE.
DONATE TO RWBA HERE.
As ever, if you have any questions or need my help, please email me at [email protected].
