A CHARITY which supports victims of domestic abuse has welcomed a move to allow victims to vote anonymously.

The Dash Charity has praised the decision made by the cabinet office to make it easier for people to register to vote anonymously.

Currently, those seeking to register anonymously have to have a court order or a letter from a high ranking official such as a senior police officer, but the constitution minister, Chris Skidmore, told parliament that the government would look to simplify the evidence needed to register anonymously.

A spokeswoman for Dash said: “Having to relinquish the opportunity to vote is one of the many ways that domestic abuse isolates its victims. For women in refuge, it is often too dangerous to sign up to the electoral register, and in many instances anonymity can be lifesaving.

"The requirements set out for victims of domestic abuse to register anonymously are, at the present time, virtually unattainable. Domestic Violence Prevention Orders and Prevention Notices are not currently included in the evidence list when an individual is being assessed for anonymous registration. Additionally, victims often encounter difficulty obtaining the appropriate signatures.

"The Dash Charity welcome the government’s decision to make this process easier and to minimize victims’ exclusion from participation in the democratic process.

"We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of the debate, and agree with the Women’s Aid recommendations to include refuge managers, GPs, health visitors and midwives on the list of permitted signatories of letters requesting anonymous voter registration.”