IT is hoped that women in Ludlow and south Shropshire that have been affected by domestic abuse will be helped by a new law that has passed its latest stage in its journey through parliament.

Philip Dunne MP says that he has had victims from the area talk to him in confidence about the problem and was struck by a visit he made to a women’s refuge.

Some two million people are victims of domestic abuse each year, of whom two thirds are women.

More than one in 10 of all offences recorded by the police relate to domestic abuse.

The Bill will define domestic abuse in law and establish a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to stand up for victims and survivors.

It will create a statutory presumption that victims should be eligible for special measures in criminal courts, like giving evidence via video link, and will prohibit perpetrators of abuse from cross examining victims in person in family courts.

“I am really pleased by getting the Domestic Abuse Bill to start its progress through the House of Commons with widespread cross-party support, which should ensure it can be concluded in the next session of Parliament,” said Mr Dunne.

“I know from women who raise issues with me in confidence in some of my advice surgeries and from a previous visit to the women’s refuge in the constituency, how horrifying and debilitating being a victim of domestic abuse can be.

“The impact can last a lifetime.

“The debate was an example of the House at its best, with many moving speeches from both sides of the Chamber, most notably from Labour MP Rosie Duffield, who spoke candidly and incredibly bravely about her own experience.

“I shall continue to support this legislation to ensure it becomes law as soon as possible.”

She spoke with passion and emotion about how she had been in a problematic relationship in which she had been controlled.