Kent's High Sheriff has backed the Prime Minister's plans to radically overhaul the laws surrounding domestic violence - to better help victims.

Kathrin Smallwood was speaking after Theresa May announced a major reform of laws governing abuse in the home.

The Tory leader said she would directly oversee the creation of laws to deal with domestic abuse in England and Wales.

Downing Street said current legislation lacked clarity and it was "unacceptable" that some areas worked harder to tackle abuse than others.

The High Sheriff of Kent, Kathrin Smallwood, who has championed domestic abuse throughout her year in office said: "The news that our Prime Minister, Theresa May, has recognised that the domestic abuse laws need change and re-articulating is fantastic.

"I hope that the Government makes the appropriate changes for the gravity of crimes committed" - High Sheriff Kathrin Smallwood

"It is high time that this all too common situation is taken more seriously and we have a legal framework appropriate for the distress and damage that it causes to individuals and families.

Mrs Smallwood praised the work of Kent charities such as Oasis, One Stop and Victim Support as "amazing".

She added: "I hope that the Government makes the appropriate changes for the gravity of crimes committed.

"I hope that the ultimate changes in the law will encourage victims of abuse come forward to enable the perpetrators of this wholly despicable behaviour to be brought to justice.

"As the Prime Minister said "no stone will be left unturned in delivering a system that increases convictions, and works better for victims".

The government is consulting with experts before the Domestic Violence and Abuse Act becomes law.