Victims of domestic abuse have been urged to come forward and take part in the government's consultation on a new Domestic Abuse Bill.

The plea has been made by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, who has been working to change domestic abuse laws since the murder of Norwich mum Kerri McAuley by her abusive partner.

Ms Smith said: 'it is incredibly important to me to be able to use local examples to make the laws of this land better.

'I urge anyone in Norwich who has experience or expertise to contribute it through this consultation so that we make it count and make it change

'Kerri's tragic death need not have been in vain if the law changes so that others are more safe in future. There's a week left so make your voice heard.'

In the Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, the government has proposed measures that will strengthen the tools available to law enforcement to tackle the crime, and protect victims.

Among other measures, the bill will define 'domestic abuse' in law and establish a domestic violence and abuse commissioner who will monitor the response of statutory agencies to cases involving domestic abuse.

It proposes ways to better protect children affected by abuse, and helps agencies be better joined up.

Mother-of-two Ms McAuley was found dead at her home in Southalls Way, Norwich, on January 8 last year.

The 32-year-old had been the victim of a 'sustained and brutal' attack by her on-off partner Joe Storey who was jailed for 24 years after being convicted of her murder.

Ms McAuley's family and the Norwich Evening News helped to raise more than £11,000 for abuse charity Leeway in memory of Kerri.

People can take part in the government consultation at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/domestic-abuse-bill-consultation