AS I carry out my constituency casework, I am often told horrifying and upsetting stories of domestic abuse and sexual violence that lie at the root of a whole range of circumstances and challenges with which people seek my help.

I am acutely aware that controlling and abusive behaviour can affect anyone and is, sadly, a feature of all sorts of relationships and all walks of life.

This week, I was delighted to see the announcement of significant progress towards redefining and reprioritising this most insidious of crimes.

The government is committed to transforming its approach to domestic abuse.

Last year, it launched a public consultation on what needs to be done to tackle this often hidden but nonetheless devastating abuse. The thousands of responses have helped to inform and shape the draft Domestic Abuse Bill.

For the first time, the Bill will create a legal definition of domestic abuse to provide absolute clarity to victims and perpetrators that domestic abuse can be financial, verbal and emotional as well as physical and sexual and that, critically, it is about patterns of abuse over time.

The creation of a new domestic abuse civil prevention and protection order will establish a flexible, bespoke order to provide better protection for victims.

The Bill will also establish a Domestic Abuse Commissioner to stand up for victims and survivors, raise public awareness, monitor the response of statutory agencies and local authorities and hold the justice system to account in tackling domestic abuse.

The Bill will ratify the Istanbul Convention, giving UK authorities the power to prosecute offences in the UK even where they are committed by nationals overseas.

On a happier note, many congratulations to the Friends of Clarendon Palace on successfully applying for a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant.

I had a fascinating visit to the site back in the summer and I cannot commend the Friends highly enough for their commitment to preserving and promoting this under-appreciated heritage asset.

The funds will pay for planned excavations as well as setting up a website and running community events to let more people know about this ancient treasure on our doorsteps.