UK Domestic Abuse Statistics 2026 â 2.1 Million Cases a Year
An estimated 2.1 million people experience domestic abuse in England and Wales each year. Live counter tracking incidents, calls to police and support service data.
Estimated Victims Per Year
Police Recorded Incidents
Victims Who Are Female
Women Affected in Lifetime
Men Affected in Lifetime
Cases Referred to CPS (2023/24)
Women Killed Each Week by Partner/Ex
Refuge Spaces Available in England
Source: Home Office Domestic Abuse in England and Wales · ONS · 2023/24
2.1 million adults experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year to March 2024, according to the ONS Crime Survey.
Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, according to ONS estimates.
74% of domestic abuse perpetrators are known to the victim as an intimate partner â current or ex-partner relationships account for the majority of cases.
About These Statistics
Domestic abuse is one of the most prevalent crimes in England and Wales, with approximately 2.1 million adults experiencing it each year. Police recorded 906,000 domestic abuse-related incidents in 2023/24, though this is believed to represent only a fraction of actual cases.
Women account for approximately 74% of victims recorded by police. Two women are killed by a current or former partner every week in England and Wales.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduced a statutory definition of domestic abuse, new protection orders and a legal duty on local authorities to provide support for victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
How common is domestic abuse in the UK?
2.1 million adults experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year to March 2024, according to the ONS Crime Survey. Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
How many domestic abuse crimes are reported to police?
Around 1.4 million domestic abuse-related crimes were recorded by police in England and Wales in 2023/24, according to the Home Office. Research suggests many incidents go unreported â the ONS estimates only around 18% of domestic abuse victims report to police.
How many people experience domestic abuse in the UK each year?
Approximately 2.1 million adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024. Police recorded 906,000 incidents, representing around 43% of all crimes recorded by police.
Is domestic abuse increasing in the UK?
Recorded domestic abuse incidents increased from around 746,000 in 2018/19 to 906,000 in 2023/24. This partly reflects increased reporting rather than purely higher incidence.
What support is available for domestic abuse victims?
Support includes the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247, free and 24-hour), IDVA advisors, refuge accommodation, and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare's Law).
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that seeks to take away the victim's liberty or freedom. It was made a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Serious Crime Act 2015.
How does the UK criminal justice system respond to domestic abuse?
Police have a duty to risk-assess domestic abuse cases. High-risk cases are referred to MARACs. The CPS received 84,000+ domestic abuse referrals in 2023/24. Conviction rates at court are around 74%.
UK Domestic Abuse Trends â 2018 to 2024
Police-recorded domestic abuse incidents. Source: Home Office.
| Year | Recorded Incidents | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 746,219 | â |
| 2019/20 | 758,941 | +1.7% |
| 2020/21 | 845,734 | +11.4% |
| 2021/22 | 870,079 | +2.9% |
| 2022/23 | 892,000 | +2.5% |
| 2023/24 | 906,000 | +1.6% |
Source: Home Office Domestic Abuse in England and Wales
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