‘(1) It is the duty of the Department for Work and Pensions, in conjunction with the relevant government departments, in developing welfare reform policies, to assess the impact of such policies on individuals who are or are likely to become victims of domestic abuse within the meaning of section 1 of this Act, and to promote their wellbeing through those policies.

(2) “Wellbeing”, for the purposes of subsection (1) above, relates to any of the following—

(a) Physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing;

(b) Protection from abuse and neglect;

(c) Control over day-to-day life (including over care and support, or support, provided to the individual and the way in which it is provided);

(d) Participation in work, education, training or recreation;

(e) Social and economic wellbeing; and

(f) Suitability of living accommodation.

(3) In exercising this duty under subsection (1) above, the Government must have regard to the following matters in particular—

(a) the importance of individuals who are or are likely to become victims of domestic abuse within the meaning of section 1 of this Act being able to escape abusive relationships;

(b) the importance of individuals who are or are likely to become victims of domestic abuse within the meaning of s. 1 of this Act being able to become economically independent of the perpetrator(s) of abuse; and

(c) the importance of individuals who are or are likely to become victims of domestic abuse within the meaning of s. 1 of this Act being able to rebuild their lives.’—

This new clause seeks to create a duty to assess the impact of welfare reforms on survivors of domestic abuse, and to ensure welfare policies that promote their wellbeing.