Last Wednesday, 2nd October 2019 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.
Commenting, Vicky Ford said: “ I was pleased to speak in the debate on the day. I raised the challenges faced by parents, siblings and family members of victims who want to help support their loved ones but often find themselves powerless to call for action. I highlighted problems with joint tenancy agreements, particularly in the private sector where one tenant cannot terminate the agreement without the others permission and therefore find themselves trapped. “ Vicky also raised the issue of revenge pornography which is often used as a threat to prevent an abused partner for calling for help.
Vicky met Safer Places Essex last month in her constituency of Chelmsford to discuss issues regarding domestic violence locally and was grateful for their expertise on this issue.
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.
Please click here for a link to see Vicky's contribution to the debate from Hansard: http://bit.ly/2nevCru -
and a clip here from Parliament TV: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/5f4a4245-ed81-4d19-af77-8df7f8db4cb7?in=18:05:55