POLICE in the region have welcomed reforms to the Domestic Abuse Bill to better protect victims.

The Bill has now been given Royal Assent and a number of significant amendments have been added since it was first introduced in 2019.

The 'rough sex' defence has been banned, non-fatal strangulation has become an offence in its own right and threats to share intimate images has become illegal

Cleveland Police Detective Chief Inspector Jayne Downes, who leads the force's Domestic Abuse Team, said: “We welcome this legislation which offers further protection to victims of domestic abuse and also encompasses the many forms of abuse victims may suffer from coercive control to economic abuse.

“We want to remind victims that whenever they’re ready to report, we’re ready to listen and working alongside our partners we can offer them support throughout their victim journey.

“Elements of the Bill will also provide greater protection to victims during the court process and we hope this will further encourage victims to support prosecutions.

“If you or a family member are suffering domestic abuse please have the confidence to report it and know we will take action. You can call 101 or 999 in an ongoing emergency.”