Russian MPs have backed a controversial bill reducing the punishment for some forms of domestic violence in a crucial second reading, despite protests from rights groups. Fury at Russian move to soften domestic violence law Read moreThe bill?s authors say the new measure removes a legal anomaly and will reduce domestic violence by giving first-time abusers a chance to reform. Conservative backers of the bill have nicknamed it the ?law on slaps? and complain that domestic violence is punished harshly. Last week Amnesty International appealed to Russia?s parliament not to pass the bill, condemning it as a ?sickening attempt to trivialise domestic violence?. But lawyer Maxim Krupsky told RBK news site that ?decriminalisation could untie the hands of people who potentially could commit domestic violence?.