For the first time in the UK, a new bill dedicated to domestic violence and abuse has been launched by the government.

Economic abuse is included in the new bill and the home secretary said it will increase protection for victims. Campaigners and survivors appreciate the new policy but believe more could be done.

2 million people experience domestic abuse in the UK and 1.3 million of them are women.

New measures are to be put in place to stop abusers cross examining victims in family court, and provide more protection for survivors in court.

Teal Moon, from Kent, is a poet and author who wrote a book about her experience called the façade of the foxglove.

She herself was in an abusive relationship and she dedicates her work to empower victims.

“I was in a violent relationship for five years and I met him when I was fifteen…

Teal hopes more people listen to those who are suffering.  

Deborah Cartwright is the CEO of the Oasis charity in East Kent which supports victims of abuse, and says “leaving a relationship is a risky time for women, and their fear is justified.”

Domestic Violence can be difficult to prove and Deborah said she wants more funding allocated for it.

Nicola Sharp Jeffs, the founder of the charity Surviving Economic Abuse in the UK, has been campaigning for this new bill since June 2017.

In her opinion the bill should have included Universal credit as it still gives abusers the upper hand in economic maltreatment.

Teal hopes this gives victims more courage to come forward as 12 percent of prosecutions fail after victims change their mind on pressing charges.

If you currently face this kind of abuse call the National domestic abuse helpline on

0808 2000 247.

 

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