Story highlights Fines and community service introduced for some offenses

More than 85% of legislators the Duma approved the bill

Moscow (CNN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that decriminalizes some forms of domestic violence, according to state-run news agency Tass. The law, which the State Duma or lower house of parliament, passed in its second of three readings by 385 votes to two, would reduce battery of a relative to a civil offence instead of a criminal offence in first instances, when the victim suffered no serious harm.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin signs into law the decriminalization of domestic violence.