A BOLTON MP has welcomed new laws providing protections for domestic abuse victims.

Chris Green is welcoming the new Domestic Abuse Bill which is undergoing scrutiny, which means abusers will no longer be able to cross-examine their victims in court.

It also means the definition for domestic abuse will include economic abuse.

Mr Green, MP for Bolton West ran the London Marathon last year for local domestic abuse charity Fortalice.

He praised the changes and said: "Domestic abuse is a terribly cruel crime that can affect anyone, leaving victims with both physical and emotional scars that can last a lifetime.

“This is why the proposed changes in the Domestic Abuse Bill are so important, to offer victims of such crimes extra protection and support, whilst also transforming the justice processes in place to deal with such crimes.

“These new measures also place a greater focus on both the prevention of and the protection from domestic abuse which, alongside raising awareness, will make a real and lasting difference.”