Domestic violence and abuse statistics in the UK

Every year, thousands across the UK live in fear of domestic violence, an often hidden but deeply damaging reality. Legally, domestic violence encompasses all forms of abuse, physical, psychological, sexual, or financial, within intimate or family relationships, recognised as a serious crime. If you or someone you know is affected, consulting a solicitor specialised in domestic violence is essential to safeguard your rights and personal safety.

Understanding these statistics and stats is essential for recognising the scale of this issue and responding effectively to report findings.

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What is domestic violence under UK law?

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse is defined as behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are personally connected, where the behaviour is abusive. This includes:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, or using weapons
• Psychological or emotional abuse: Threats, constant criticism, isolation, gaslighting
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour
• Economic abuse: Controlling someone’s access to money, employment, or financial independence
• Controlling or coercive behaviour: As defined under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015

Vulnerable groups and specific risks

Certain groups face heightened vulnerability:

• Women are disproportionately affected by severe forms of abuse.
• Men are also victims and often underreport due to stigma.
• LGBT individuals may face identity-based abuse, including threats of “outing” based on their sexuality.

Many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, dependence, or lack of trust in institutions—making reliable statistics both vital and difficult to gather.

Domestic abuse statistics in the UK: Trends from 2021 to 2024

Understanding the scope of domestic violence in the UK requires examining official statistics from police forces and the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Annual reported cases (2021–2024)

According to ONS and police data:

• 2021: Approximately 845,000 domestic abuse statistics recorded by the police in England and Wales.
• 2022: The number increased to around 890,000 cases, representing a 5% rise.
• 2023: An estimated 915,000 cases were reported, continuing the upward trend.
• 2024 (provisional): Early indicators suggest stabilisation around 900,000 cases.

Rates and trends analysis

The increase from 2021 to 2023 reflects several factors:

• Improved public awareness and reporting mechanisms.
• Enhanced police training and response protocols.
• Stronger advocacy from support organisations.

Implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.These stats demonstrate both progress in reporting rates and the ongoing scale of the problem.

Unreported cases: The hidden reality

Research indicates that approximately 80% of domestic violence incidents remain unreported. Victims often refrain from reporting due to:

• Fear of retaliation from perpetrators
• Emotional or financial dependency
• Stigma and societal pressures
• Lack of trust in the justice system

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The lockdown periods during 2020 and 2021 created a ‘perfect storm’ for domestic abuse. Many victims were isolated with their abusers whilst support services became harder to access, contributing to increased incident rates that continue to affect subsequent years’ statistics.

Domestic Abuse-Related fatalities

In 2022, there were 173 domestic homicides in England and Wales, including 94 women. These deaths represent the most tragic statistics in domestic violence data. On average, two women per week are killed by a current or former partner in the UK, representing the most serious cases where domestic violence stats become fatality rates.

Domestic Violence awareness month

November is recognised as Domestic Violence awareness month in the UK. It plays a critical role in public engagement, breaking silence around abuse, and promoting legal support and reporting mechanisms.

Analysis of stats: Gender and LGBT disparities

Domestic violence statistics reveal significant disparities across different demographics. These stats show clear patterns that inform policy and support services.

Male vs female domestic violence statistics UK

Current stats and rates show:

• 73% of victims are women, and 27% are men (ONS, 2023).
• Women experience more frequent physical assaults, sexual abuse, and coercive control.
• Men more commonly report emotional or financial abuse, though stigma limits disclosure.
• Male victims face additional barriers in accessing support services

LGBT domestic abuse statistics UK

LGBT domestic abuse statistics UK reveal concerning patterns:

• 1 in 5 LGBT people in the UK has experienced domestic abuse.
• Trans individuals face particularly high risk of both emotional and physical harm.
• Unique abuse forms include threats of “outing” and sexuality-based control.
• LGBT victims often face additional barriers when reporting to authorities.

Death rates among LGBT victims require more comprehensive tracking in official stats.

How does domestic violence affect other aspects of life?

Domestic violence extends beyond the home, intersecting with various social issues.

Football and domestic violence statistics

Football events correlate with spikes in domestic violence cases. The stats and rates show:

• Incidents increase by 38% when the England team loses.
• 26% increase when England wins or draws.
• Major tournaments see sustained increases in reporting rates.
• These stats have prompted awareness campaigns during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
• Every report during football events helps build the evidence base.

Substance abuse and alcohol

Alcohol features prominently in domestic violence statistics:

• Present in approximately half of all recorded cases.
• Contributes to severity of physical abuse.
• Often used by perpetrators to excuse behaviour.
• Creates additional barriers for victims seeking help.

Pregnancy and domestic violence stats

Statistics and stats reveal pregnancy as a particularly vulnerable period with concerning rates:

• 30% of domestic abuse begins during pregnancy.
• Risk rates increase significantly during first pregnancy.
• Physical abuse often targets the abdomen.
• Links to maternal and infant mortality rates and deaths.
• Unreported incidents during pregnancy are particularly high.
• Each report during pregnancy can prevent escalation to fatal outcomes.

FAQs

What are the warning signs of domestic violence? Beyond physical abuse, domestic violence includes emotional control, gaslighting, social isolation, and financial abuse, forms of coercion reflected in statistics but harder to identify.

How do UK authorities respond to domestic violence reports? Following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, police have enhanced powers including Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. Social services provide support through Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs), emergency housing, and specialised courts.

What penalties do perpetrators face under UK law? Penalties range from police cautions to maximum sentences of 14 years imprisonment for controlling or coercive behaviour. Aggravating factors include weapons use, repeat offences, or abuse during pregnancy.

Domestic violence remains a serious and complex issue in the UK, affecting thousands every year across all demographics. Early intervention with professional support, including specialist solicitors, can save lives and protect rights.

Seek support and legal advice!

Qredible’s network of specialist family law solicitors provides immediate legal protection, expert guidance through complex UK law, and access to essential support services.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Domestic violence affects nearly one million people annually in the UK, with women comprising 73% of victims, though experts believe 80% of cases remain unreported due to fear and stigma.
• The statistics reveal alarming patterns including increased risk during pregnancy, spikes during football events, and tragically two women killed weekly by partners, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
• UK law provides comprehensive protection through Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders, and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, but specialist legal representation is essential for navigating these complex procedures effectively.