A DOMESTIC violence survivor who has campaigned for tougher laws to protect victims has welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement that she will directly oversee the implementation of new laws.

Rachel Williams, who was shot by her estranged husband in 2011 at a Newport hair salon, said she thought Mrs May's announcement was a positive step forward.

Mrs May announced on Friday that laws to tackle domestic violence will be improved to end the current "unacceptable" situation.

The moves come amid concerns from Number 10 that the legal system often lets down victims.

The Prime Minister said: "Domestic violence and abuse is a life-shattering and absolutely abhorrent crime; tackling it is an key priority for this Government - and something I have always attached a personal importance to, both as home secretary and now as Prime Minister.

"I am clear that we need to build on the measures I introduced as home secretary - including the new offence of 'controlling and coercive behaviour'."

Mrs Williams has been involved in several campaigns and petitions to tackle domestic violence and abusive relationships since the attack in August 2011 - when her estranged husband shot her before killing himself.

“This is a step forward," she said. "I think it is really good that the Prime Minister recognises there are major flaws in the system and I am looking forward to seeing what she does.”

The 44-year-old said that, at the moment, services do not share enough information among themselves and that they need to improve funding for domestic violence support.

She also said she thinks that educating children about healthy relationships is important and that she would love to see more programmes set up for domestic abusers when they come out of prison.

“I also think there needs to be tougher sentences for breaches of restraining orders,” she said. “There is plenty to do, but you have to start somewhere.

“It would be nice to see that Theresa May listens to victim’s voices and that victims will help shape future services.”