The Liberal Democrats have hailed the passing of the “landmark” Domestic Abuse Bill. The Liberal Democrats tabled a number of amendments designed to further support survivors of domestic abuse.
Ahead of the Commons debate, the Liberal Democrats had succeeded in pushing the Government to ban alleged domestic abusers from cross-examining survivors in family courts and to properly recognise children as victims of domestic abuse.
Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine had secured cross-party support for two amendments to protect migrants who experience domestic abuse. Neither was put to a vote, but the Government agreed to introduce a pilot scheme to give more support to migrant survivors, and Christine Jardine secured an assurance from the Minister that they will put a stop to police sharing survivors’ data for immigration purposes.
Following the passage of the Domestic Abuse Bill in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: “It is great to see this landmark piece of legislation finally pass the House of Commons. It will bring in much needed support and protections for survivors of domestic abuse.
“Cross-party pressure has resulted in real improvements as the Bill has made its way through the Commons. The Government has listened to calls from the Liberal Democrats and agreed to recognise children of victims of domestic abuse, and to pilot extra support for migrant survivors.
“But this is by no means the end of our work to tackle domestic abuse. Liberal Democrats will continue to press for all survivors to get the support they need, no matter where they were born.
“The passing of this historic Bill sends out a clear message that domestic abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It is a key step to tackling gender inequality in the 21st century.”