The government has today launched a consultation on measures to be included in a draft Domestic Abuse Bill. These include a new Domestic Abuse Protection Order, recognising economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse and the creation of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner.

Diana Fawcett, Chief Officer of Victim Support, said: “We welcome the consultation on the draft Domestic Abuse Bill, and the Government’s ambition to ensure domestic abuse is never tolerated and that survivors are safe and supported. We are pleased that survivors will be provided greater protections through a new, stronger protection order and special measures in courts.

“We look forward to continue working with survivors, our specialist domestic abuse advisors and the government to ensure that domestic abuse is robustly tackled and that victims get the support and safety that they need.”

Last year Victim Support reached out to 55,988 survivors and victims of domestic abuse and provided support to 34,063. VS runs domestic abuse services across England and Wales and has a network of around 160 expert, DA-specific frontline staff, including over 100 IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advocates).