Facts about domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is very common in the UK. It is important to understand its prevalence and the realities surrounding efforts to address it.
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An estimated 3.8 million people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025. (Source: Office for National Statistics)
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Around 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, compared with around 1 in 7 men. (Source: Office for National Statistics / SafeLives )
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It is estimated that 20% of victims and survivors report to the police, meaning official figures underestimate the scale. (Source: NCDV)
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The police recorded 1,350,460 domestic abuse-related incidents in England and Wales in the year ending March 2025, of which 816,493 were classified as crimes. (Source: Office for National Statistics)
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Over recent years, at least one woman per week has been killed by a current or former male partner in England and Wales. (Source: SafeLives)
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At least 40% of women in the UK killed by a current/former partner had left or were taking steps to leave him. (Source: Femicide Census 2022)
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Police forces receive one domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds in England and Wales. (Source: NCDV)
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Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children under 18 who see, hear, or experience the effects of domestic abuse are legally defined as victims, even if the abuse is not directed at them. (Source: Office for National Statistics)
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Adults in the UK view the perceived wellbeing or repentance of an abuser as an excuse for abusive behaviour, according to a 2022 survey conducted by Women’s Aid. The number of those who believed the husband in a given scenario was really wrong to slap his wife when he later apologised dropped by 15% (from 81% to 66%). (Source: Women's Aid)
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262 domestic abuse related deaths were recorded the year ending March 2024 of which 98 suspected suicide following domestic abuse. (Source: NCDV / Domestic Homicide Project - VKPP Work)