Ending domestic abuse has been my focus for my entire professional life – both while I have been an MP and for 25 years beforehand. I want to make sure the new Prime Minister gives the Domestic Abuse Bill the parliamentary time it needs as soon as possible.

Though it can go further in places, I welcome that this bill will consolidate and solidify the current complex legal framework around domestic violence, which makes it so difficult for victims to receive justice. For the first time, there will be a definition of domestic abuse (including economic abuse) enshrined in law.

Having clear legislation to identify domestic abuse is an important step, but we need to tackle the root causes of gender inequality if we are to eradicate this crime. In my previous professional life I worked with those who committed domestic abuse against their partners, to get them to understand that their behaviour was unacceptable and provide practical support so they could change.

I have worked closely across party to get Members of Parliament to understand what an effective perpetrator looks like by setting up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse. I will continue to bring my expertise to bear on this subject, as this bill progresses through Parliament. I will also be holding the new Prime Minister to account to make sure that this bill receives the scrutiny and parliamentary time it needs.

1 in 5 people in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. It’s vital that we get this law right and onto the statute books.