New plans announced by the government today will top people accused of domestic abuse being able to cross examine family members in the courts.

The Domestic Abuse Bill to be announced today will also give people the legal right to check out the history of any potential new partner, the so called Clare’s law provision.

The initiative is named after 36-year-old Clare Wood from Salford who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2009 and was piloted across Greater Manchester.

Ms Wood was strangled and set on fire at her home by George Appleton, who had a record of violence against women.

Her father, Michael Brown, who campaigned for the introduction of Clare’s Law, is convinced she would still be alive had she known the full extent of Appleton’s previous behaviour.

The bill will introduce, for the first time, a definition of domestic abuse to include “economic” abuse, acknowledging that controlling a partner’s money can amount to manipulative behaviour.

The Home secretary Sajid Javid said: “Domestic abuse is a shocking crime that has a truly devastating effect on victims – and costs billions of pounds a year.

“That is why we are strengthening our response through the ground-breaking draft Domestic Abuse Bill. This will ensure we give victims the full support they need and bring to justice those who are causing misery in homes up and down the country.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here