"Measures will be introduced to modernise the laws on domestic violence and to establish a Commissioner to speak up for the interests of victims and witnesses."

This Bill is a key part of the government's drive to tackle domestic violence, put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system and bring more offenders to justice.

It represents the biggest overhaul of the law on domestic violence since the 1970s.

Police will be given significant new powers to deal with domestic violence offenders, and civil law on domestic violence will be strengthened to ensure that same sex couples are protected.

Central to the proposals is the appointment of an independent commissioner for victims and witnesses who will "ensure that there is an informed, coherent and effective voice for victims and witnesses at a national level".

The Bill will also create a statutory victims' code of practice backed up by an independent ombudsman.

The role of the victim is also set to be boosted considerably.Not only will the commissioner be expected to consult with the National Victims' Advisory Panel (consisting of 10 crime victims), but victims may be able to take an increased role in restorative justice and enter more dialogue with the offender.

The code will set out a series of specific responsibilities in relation to the service that each criminal justice system agency and Victim Support provides to victims.

The Bill would build on the government's ongoing work to reform the criminal justice system to "rebalance the system in favour of victims, witnesses and communities".

House of Lords

First reading: December 1 2003 (HL Bill 6)

Second reading: December 15 2003

Grand Committee

• 1st sitting: January 19 2004
• 2nd sitting: January 21 2004
• 3rd sitting: January 28 2004
• 4th sitting: February 2 2004
• 5th sitting: February 5 2004
• 6th sitting: February 9 2004

Bill printed as amended (HL Bill 27)

Report stage:

• 1st day: March 4 2004
• 2nd day: March 9 2004
• 3rd day: March 11 2004
• 4th day: March 15 2004

Bill as amended on report (HL Bill 43)

Third reading: March 25 2004

House of Commons:

First reading: March 29 2004 (HC Bill 83)

Second reading: June 14 2004

Committee stage:

• 1st sitting: June 22 2004 (am)
• 2nd sitting: June 22 2004 (pm)
• 3rd sitting: June 24 2004 (am)
• 4th sitting: June 24 2004 (pm)
• 5th sitting: June 29 2004 (am)
• 6th sitting: June 29 2004 (pm)
• 7th sitting: July 1 2004 (am)
• 8th sitting: July 1 2004 (pm)
• 9th sitting: July 6 2004 (am)
• 10th sitting: July 6 2004 (pm)

Bill as amended in the standing committee HC Bill 134

Remaining stages: October 27 2004

House of Lords:

Consideration of Commons amendments: November 2 2004

Royal assent: November 15 2004

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004