PLANS to reform domestic abuse laws have been welcomed by two York-based organisations.

Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to bring forward a Domestic Violence and Abuse Act, working with groups who support victims to ensure their services are improved.

The new Act will look at how legal procedures work for victims, and improvements to the system that could lead to ‘quick wins’ in the field.

Dawn Bargate is project manager with IDAS, and said changing the bill could get rid of any inconsistencies in service between different areas.

She said: “It was heartening to hear Theresa May’s plans over the weekend. As a specialist organisation, IDAS fully supports any changes which raises awareness and supports those whose lives are devastated by domestic abuse.

“We know that a large majority of people choose not to report to the police, for many reasons, but to build a system which both raises awareness, tackles the problem in a more coherent way through the criminal justice process, and offers more support to victims is a huge step in the right direction. It should never be a postcode lottery in terms of dealing with this epidemic. We will continue to watch with interest over the coming weeks and months.”

Ann Pinsent is a counselling volunteer with Kyra, which supports women who have suffered domestic abuse, and said “heightened awareness” of the problem was good news.

She said: “Really, the hardest part is raising awareness in the legal system, but I think police are becoming more aware.” Ms Pinsent said there should be more investment in refuges to help women.