Russia's lower house of parliament has passed a bill to decriminalise some forms of domestic violence, BBC News reports.

Under the proposed legislation, first-time offenders who do not cause serious injury will face a maximum of 15 days police custody instead of up to two years in jail.

It now needs the approval of the upper house and President Vladimir Putin.

Campaigners say the bill - dubbed the "slapping law" - would mean the "exoneration of tyrants in the home".

The State Duma voted 380-3 for the bill, two days after it passed its second reading.