Female trade unionists came out against domestic violence yesterday at the TUC women's conference.

On a day that started with a minute's silence honouring the death of longstanding former Labour MP Tony Benn, activists from across Britain passed a statement against the enduring blight of domestic abuse.

Darlington Councillor Linda Hughes argued that fighting against abuse at home would show the labour movement's support for the new Domestic Violence (Legal Framework) Bill being proposed by Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd.