A REFUGE that has sheltered thousands of women who have been abused by violent partners has welcomed legal measures designed to offer them greater protection.

Swindon Women's Refuge has given its backing to the Domestic Violence, Crime and Disorder Bill, which will create a "yellow card" system ordering men and women who are accused of domestic violence to stay away from their victims.

The orders can be made even in court cases that end in an acquittal.

"This measure will almost certainly be seen by some people as controversial.

"But for victims of domestic violence any change that could improve their protection is a good thing," said Jenni Manners who runs the refuge.

The Bill, the first domestic violence legislation for more than 30 years, has the Prime Minister's personal backing.

Solicitor General Harriet Harman said: "Courts will be able, even as they are acquitting the defendant, to ensure the victim's safety by ordering him to stay away.

"It will be, if you like, a yellow card and he will know that if he breaches the order that in itself will be a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison."

Glyn Razzell, who was convicted last month of murdering his wife Linda, had been acquitted of violence against her.

Ms Harman said the new move would help to bring wife beaters into court earlier.

But the new law will also apply to unmarried couples, to gay and lesbian relationships and to partners who no longer live together. It has also been welcomed by the Law Society, but with reservations.

"We are concerned by the proposal which would allow a criminal court to make a civil order against a person whom it has just acquitted of criminal charges," said chief executive Janet Paraskeva.

Jenni Manners hopes it will help to reduce the growing toll of violence occurring behind closed front doors.

"It is far more common than probably most people believe," she said

Between April 2002 and March this year Swindon police officers dealt with 2,165 complaints of domestic violence between partners and ex-partners.

"In England and Wales between two and three women a week are killed by their present or former partner and that number has risen during the past couple of years," she added.

"The number of men killed by their female partner is less than one a month."

A British crime survey has indicated that as few as one in five cases of domestic violence are reported to the police.

"This means we could have as many as 10,825 cases a year in the Swindon division," said Ms Manners.

"I hope that this new legislation will drive home the fact that domestic violence is never acceptable and is a crime."