Domestic violence continues to be one of the most pressing social issues facing the UK. Despite growing awareness and legislative efforts, millions still suffer in silence, often behind closed doors. Understanding the scale, impact, and recent developments in domestic abuse can help us move closer to a society where no one lives in fear in their own home.

The Stark Reality

According to the Office for National Statistics, around 2.3 million adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024. That’s nearly 5% of the adult population—a sobering figure. Of those, 1.6 million were women and 712,000 were men, highlighting the gendered nature of abuse, though it is by no means exclusively experienced by women.

Perhaps even more concerning is the lifetime prevalence: 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have suffered domestic abuse since the age of 16. These numbers reflect a deep-rooted issue in our communities, one that cannot be solved by legislation alone.

Behind the Statistics

While official figures show a gradual decline in domestic abuse rates over the past decade from 6.5% in 2014 to 5.4% in 2024 among 16–59-year olds this doesn’t necessarily mean fewer people are suffering. Underreporting remains a massive issue, with stigma, fear, and lack of support often silencing victims.

In 2024, police recorded 1.4 million domestic abuse-related incidents, with over 850,000 classified as crimes. The majority of victims in these crimes 72.5% were women. Meanwhile, prosecutions are still lagging behind the number of incidents. The Crown Prosecution Service charged just over 49,000 suspects, with a prosecution rate of 79% and a conviction rate of 75.8%.

Children: The Forgotten Victims

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of domestic abuse is its impact on children. Over 105,000 children live in homes where high-risk domestic abuse is present. A shocking 78% of these children are not just witnesses but are also directly harmed by the perpetrator. Early exposure to such trauma can lead to long-term emotional and psychological consequences.

Progress and Policy

There have been notable legal changes in recent years. New Domestic Abuse Protection Orders and Notices now allow courts to impose tougher penalties, including up to five years in prison for breaches. These tools offer stronger safeguards for victims, though their effectiveness depends heavily on consistent enforcement.

The UK Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls within a decade. This ambitious goal reflects the urgent need for action but also underscores the scale of the challenge. Campaigners argue that a systemic overhaul from policing to social care is required to truly protect victims and prevent abuse.

Spotlight on Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland continues to report some of the highest domestic abuse rates in the UK. In 2024 alone, there were 30,509 domestic abuse incidents, including 18,656 classified as crimes. Disturbingly, between 2019 and 2024, 31 women were killed in acts of femicide a grim reminder of how deadly domestic abuse can be.

Support Is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Confidential support is available:

Final Thoughts

Ending domestic violence is not just about punishing perpetrators, it’s about prevention, education, support, and societal change. We must all play a part in breaking the silence and supporting survivors. Because everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home.