Theresa May pledges crackdown on domestic abuse on International Women’s Day

Writing for The Guardian, Theresa May has promised new legislation to expand the definition of domestic abuse and provide tangible action for domestic abuse survivors. In 2016 and 2017, 82 women and 13 men were killed by a partner or former partner in the UK. While over 2 million people, a majority of them women, are living with domestic abuse every day.

May has promised to hear from experts, charities, frontline professionals and people affected by abuse as she pushes forward new legislation on this issue. “Not all abusive behaviour is psychical,” she writes. “Controlling, manipulative and verbally abusive behaviour ruins lives and means thousands end up isolated, living in fear.” A new bill will address this by broadening the statutory definition of abuse to include economic abuse along with other non-physical abuse.

There will also be tougher sentencing on cases that involve children as well as a tightening of domestic abuse protection laws, which will allow the police and the courts to act sooner. £20 million has been provided by the government for accommodation and women’s shelters as well.

Tim Gibson - myGwork

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