Women's Aid has issued a statement after the introduction of the Victims and Courts Bill

The women's charity has praised the introduction of the bill, but says it is "long overdue."

For the first time ever, judges will be able to hand down prison sentences for cowardly criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearing in England and Wales.

Criminals who fail to attend their sentencing hearings will face further punishment under this new law.

Others will be stripped of privileges in prison, such as gym time, or may even be confined to their cells.

Women's Aid hopes this legislation will improve the support available for survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, stated:

"For far too long, women and children have been let down by the complex criminal justice system."

Women's Aid says the UK justice system "fails to recognise and prioritise the needs of survivors."

"Barriers throughout the criminal justice system, including a lack of understanding about the complexities of domestic abuse by professionals, poor support for survivors, and discrimination, leaves many unable to receive justice."

The team confirmed that the long history of failing within the criminal justice system has destroyed survivors' trust. 

Less than 1 in 5 women feel able to report their experience to the police.

"We need to see root-and-branch reforms to the criminal justice system that reflect the needs of survivors."

Women's Aid said the UK Government needs to invest in specialist domestic abuse services.

"These chronically under-funded services are crucial to women and children continuing through the justice system and to recovering from their experiences."