In Parliament today I praised the work of Newport domestic violence survivor and campaigner Rachel Williams.

I spoke during a debate on the second reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill, which seeks to offer greater support to victims, introduce an official definition of domestic abuse that includes economic abuse, and stop the cross-examination of victims by their abusers in court.

Intervening during a speech from Labour’s Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Carolyn Harris MP, I said “A prominent campaigner against the injustice domestic abuse victims face in the family courts system is Rachel Williams who recently organised the Stand Up to Domestic Abuse Conference in Newport which we both attended. Will my hon friend join me in paying tribute to campaigners and survivors like Rachel, whose courage in speaking out makes a real difference to legislation like this?”

In response Carolyn Harris emphasised her agreement, rightly stating that Rachel is “an absolute inspiration and someone we should all look up to.”