Domestic abuse facts & statistics

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that can result in serious psychological, physical and behavioural changes in survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

Facts and statistics about Domestic Abuse in the UK:

• 4 million adults were affected by domestic abuse in the year ending March 2022. 1.7 million were women and 699,000 were men (ONS, 2022).

• 1 in 5 adults experience Domestic Abuse during their lifetime. This equates to 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6-7 men. (NCDV, 2024).

• There were 242 domestic abuse related deaths reported between March 2022 and April 2023 (NPCC, 2024).

• Whilst both men and women can experience domestic abuse, female victims experience higher rates of repeated victimisation and are more likely to be seriously hurt or killed than male victims (Women’s Aid, 2024).

• Research has shown that people of minority background, particularly those from immigrant communities, are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse (Severn Angels, 2024).

• People with disabilities are more vulnerable to domestic abuse, experience abuse for longer periods of time, and experience more severe and frequent abuse than non-disabled people (Ann Craft Trust, 2024).

• 85% of victims of domestic abuse ask for help from professionals an average of five times before receiving effective help to stop the abuse. On average victims experience domestic abuse 50 times before getting effective help (Safe Lives, 2024).

• It is estimated that over 800,000 children are affected by domestic abuse (Barnardo’s, 2020).

• The social and economic cost of domestic abuse is £66 billion per year (Home Office, 2019).

Some facts and figures about Domestic Abuse and businesses:

• Domestic abuse costs businesses in the UK £14 billion per year due to absence, loss of productivity etc. (Home Office, 2019).

• Over one in ten of those who experience domestic abuse report that the abuse continues in the workplace affecting morale, performance, attendance, emotional and physical health of employees, resulting in loss of productivity. (Vodafone Foundation, 2017).

• Domestic abuse follows employees to the workplace. Between 36% and 75% of those experiencing domestic abuse are targeted at work (BITC, 2021).

• Statistically at least 10% of your employees are likely to be victims or survivors of domestic abuse every year (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2023).

Go to our Prevent Domestic Abuse page and help us bring these figures down.