Last year, I pledged to bring forward new legislation as part of my longstanding commitment to end domestic abuse. Thousands of women endure unimaginable violence and other forms of abuse every single day, often at the hands of those to whom they are closest, in the places they should be safest. I have heard many heart-rending stories, and I am determined to stop others suffering.

Doing so will require a change across the whole of society in the way we think about and tackle domestic abuse. Prosecutions and convictions are increasing, but it is not good enough. In 2016/17, 82 women and 13 men were killed by a partner or former partner. Nearly 2 million people – the majority of them women – live with domestic abuse every day. Young people have their childhoods destroyed by scenes of appalling domestic abuse no child should ever have to witness.

The government’s new domestic abuse bill will lead the way in bringing about the change we need. I am launching a consultation on our proposals, and we want to hear from experts, charities, frontline professionals and as many people affected by abuse, from as many walks of life, as possible. Many suffering abuse still don’t talk about what is happening to them.

Not all abusive behaviour is physical. Controlling, manipulative and verbally abusive behaviour ruins lives and means thousands end up isolated, living in fear. So for the first time, the bill will provide a statutory definition of domestic abuse that includes economic abuse, alongside other non-physical abuse.

We will recognise the lasting impact domestic abuse can have on families by allowing for tougher sentences in cases involving children, and will better protect victims with new domestic abuse protection orders, which allow police and courts to intervene earlier. We will also create a domestic abuse commissioner to act as a national champion for victims. These proposals build on the work I started in the Home Office.

It is critical that people fleeing violent partners have a safe place to go. I am committed to delivering a sustainable funding model for refuges so that there is no postcode lottery. We have provided £20m for accommodation-based services such as refuges. The best available data shows bed spaces have increased by 10% since 2010. We must also act to ensure that victims are supported at the earliest possible opportunity, before abuse escalates and they are left with no option but to flee their own homes.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a warm and loving home. It is hard for those of us who have safe and happy lives to truly walk in the shoes of those who live with domestic abuse every single day. I want everyone to live free from that threat, and every child to grow up safe and protected, just as I did. I hope that our work will provide an important step change in bringing that about.