A new bill aimed at tackling domestic abuse in England and Wales was introduced to Parliament on 16th July.

The Domestic Abuse Bill, which was drafted in January after a consultation, includes the first ever legal definition of domestic abuse, and places a ban on alleged and proven abusers cross-examining alleged and proven victims of domestic abuse in the family courts.

The government called the proposed legislation “the most comprehensive package ever presented to Parliament to tackle domestic abuse, both supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice” in its press release.

Measures included in the Bill:

• The first ever statutory government definition of domestic abuse, which will include economic abuse
• The creation of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to champion victims and survivors
• New Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to further protect victims and place restrictions on the actions of offenders
• The prohibition of the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in the family courts
• The provision of automatic eligibility for special measures to support more victims to give evidence in the criminal courts

Useful links:

• Domestic Abuse Bill in Parliament (Follow its journey through the House of Commons and the House of Lords)
• Commons Select Committee review of the bill
• Background documents