Legislation that will for the first time define domestic abuse in Manx law has completed its passage through the House of Keys.

MHKs completed the clauses stage of the Domestic Abuse Bill last week and then agreed to take the third reading at the same sitting on Tuesday.

It means it will be ready to undergo scrutiny in the Legislative Council in the new year.

The Bill would lead to prison sentences of up to 14 years for domestic abuse crimes if, as expected, it becomes law.

It gives police the powers to issue emergency protection notices to keep alleged perpetrators away from someone at risk. It also introduces an offence of ’controlling or coercive behaviour’.

Scrutiny of the bill has seen a number of amendments made by the government itself as attempts were made to tighten up the legislation. Home Affairs Minister Bill Malarkey thanked MHKs for working with his department.

He told the House of Keys: ’This bill defines domestic abuse for the first time and sets out legal measures that may be taken to protect people from abusive partners or ex-partners.

’These offences and protective measures set out in the Bill send a signal to our community that domestic abuse is a very serious matter and will be addressed.’