SOUTH Swindon MP Julia Drown has backed plans for the first-ever piece of legislation on domestic violence.

A consultation paper has been issued, which calls for tougher sentences for those guilty of beating their partners. And she wants the rest of the country to take Swindon's lead in supporting victims of domestic violence.

Ms Drown said: "As a member of the All Party Parliamen-tary Group on Domestic Violence, I've pushed for stronger legislation. Pressure has resulted in the first time that a British government has proposed legislation on domestic violence.

"In Swindon, with support from the police, council, CPS and our excellent refuge, domestic violence sufferers have been better supported than in many other parts of the country I want to see this experience used nationally.

"The consultation paper issued recently represents the Government's determination to tackle domestic violence and it will lead to greater protection for victims. We want to see those who beat up and injure their partners successfully prosecuted," she said

One in four women suffer from domestic violence and it accounts for 25 per cent of all violent crimes.

Statistics reveal that two women are killed each week as a result of domestic violence.