Anger as crucial bill gets sidelined by election

A LANDMARK bill designed to transform the national response to domestic abuse has been kicked into the long grass

– by the General Election.

For years, thousands of victims have revealed their violent suffering and trauma with the aim of defining domestic abuse in law.

The Daily Express End This Injustice crusade has urged politicians to deliver the Domestic Abuse Bill, which had reached committee stage after a second reading in Parliament.

Importantly, it would have ended the practice of allowing domestic abusers the opportunity to cross-examine victims in court.

It was being considered by a Public Bill Committee, which was expected to report to the House by November 21.

But the bill has now fallen and will progress no further because of the election announcement. A note on Parliament’s website says: “Due to the dissolution of this Parliament and the forthcoming General Election, the bill will not progress any further.” However both the new Labour and Tory manifestos vow to reinstate the bill into the Commons if elected.

Lucy Hadley, Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager at Women’s Aid, said: “It is incredibly disappointing to see yet another delay to the bill becoming law.

“For over two years, thousands of survivors have spoken up about their experiences and fought for changes that are now on hold yet again.

“We have been pleased to hear assurances from the Conservative and Labour parties and will hold them to their promises if they are elected.

“Survivors of domestic abuse cannot wait any longer.”

Suzanne Jacob, chief executive at Safe Lives, said: “We need concrete work to end domestic abuse across the UK.”