Earlier this year, the government published its draft Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which introduces the first statutory definition of domestic abuse, new legal protections for victims and a range of measures to support women and children.
The bill is in response to rises over the past decade in the number of domestic abuse crimes being recorded by the police, in referrals to children's social care services and in requests for refuge placements and other support.
Home Office research estimates the economic and social costs to society of domestic abuse to be £66bn in 2016 to 2017.
In addition, there is also growing concern about the negative impact that witnessing domestic abuse can have on the wellbeing of children and young people. Research suggests up to 800,000 children live in homes where domestic abuse occurs, with some being emotionally damaged by the experience.
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