On Wednesday, the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill passed its Second Reading in Parliament.

The Bill will introduce the first ever statutory definition of domestic abuse, recognising that abuse can take many different forms – including psychological, physical, sexual, economic and emotional.

It will strengthen protections for victims of domestic abuse, and crack down on perpetrators. Measures include banning abusers from cross-examining their victims in court and launching new protection orders to restrict abusers.

The Bill demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on its domestic agenda – tackling crime, improving our schools and boosting our NHS.

It is great news that the Domestic Abuse Bill has passed its Second Reading. It will protect victims in Pendle and tackle perpetrators.

I am pleased the Government is focused on cracking down on all types of crime and is not waiting until after Brexit is delivered to get started.”

The Minister for Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Victoria Atkins MP, said: “I am delighted the Domestic Abuse Bill has passed its Second Reading – it represents a huge step forward in our response to domestic abuse and will help us to stop the cycle of violence.

“This legislation underpins this Government’s commitment to clamp down on all types of crime and improve the criminal justice system for victims.”