The Russian parliament’s lower house the Duma has overwhelming backed a draft law that would ease some penalties for domestic violence, according to euronews.com.

It has alarmed some women’s rights campaigners who fear it will encourage abuse.

The law easily passed its second of three stages in the lower house, the Duma, with only two votes against.

Assaulting a relative would become a civil not a criminal offence in first instances when the victim suffered no serious harm.

Supporters say parents should be able to discipline their children, and state meddling in family life reduced.