Domestic abuse victims are to "regain their voices" with a new law which will make it easier for them to register to vote anonymously, campaigners have said.

Victims of domestic violence live in fear of being "hunted down" by those who abused them, meaning they need to appear on the electoral register anonymously.

But the process is currently difficult, with victims required to produce a court order or have their application supported by a senior independent witness, such as a police superintendent.

Advocates have warned that bureaucracy and fear of being discovered puts many off registering to vote at all.

Under plans announced today the law will be changed to increase the number of people who can act as witnesses, to include medical and healthcare workers and refuge staff.