LEGAL bosses in Wiltshire have welcomed changes in the way cases of domestic violence are handled.

New guidelines have been introduced to make it easier for victims to give evidence.

The Crown Prosecution Service is also being urged to press charges for witness intimidation when the defendant pressures a partner to drop the case.

Charges for false imprisonment when a victim is prevented from leaving their home or sexual charges in forced marriages should be brought more frequently too.

The CPS's chief prosecutor for Wiltshire, Karen Harrold, said the changes sent a strong message to thugs who abuse their partners.

She said: "Local prosecutors are determined to show that domestic violence is unacceptable wherever it exists across the county and it will be prosecuted robustly and effectively.

"The new policy complements a whole range of measures designed to fully address the needs of domestic violence victims from charge, to care of victims and witnesses throughout the life of a criminal case and even to appeal against sentences if they are unduly lenient."

Each year, around 16 million women are violently abused by their partners.

From now on, CPS prosecutors will ask for a wider range of evidence to be gathered by the police.

These include tapes of 999 calls, photos of the scene and injuries, medical statements and forensic evidence. Bail conditions will also restrict access not only to the victim's home, but to other locations such as schools or other family addresses.