Domestic Abuse in the United Kingdom

Domestic abuse in the United Kingdom is no longer a silent epidemic; it is a growing public emergency. Despite decades of awareness efforts, hotlines, and legislative reforms, statistics continue to depict a bleak and extremely troubling image. The abuse is not just ubiquitous, but it is also hurting younger victims, many of whom feel caught in cycles of fear, manipulation, and humiliation.

The Hidden Scale of Domestic Abuse

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in the UK will be victims of domestic abuse at some point in their lives. Despite being startling, these figures only represent a small portion of the victims—many never come forward. Due to cultural stigma, emotional dependence, fear of reprisals, and mistrust of the legal system, many incidents remain unreported.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, calls to domestic abuse helplines surged by over 60%. Charities like Refuge and Women’s Aid reported record-breaking increases in calls, messages, and online chats. But while lockdowns have ended, the scars of those years remain—and the demand for support services continues to grow.

Behind every statistic is a person living in fear, often in plain sight of their neighbours, friends, or colleagues who have no idea what’s happening. The “hidden” nature of this abuse is what makes it so difficult to fight—it thrives in silence and isolation.

The Rise of Younger Victims

A worrying trend in the UK is the increasing number of young people—some as young as 14 or 15—reporting experiences of domestic or dating abuse.

A report from SafeLives revealed that young people aged 16–24 are now the group most likely to experience domestic abuse, often for the first time. Many of these young victims experience coercive control, emotional manipulation, digital surveillance, and even sexual violence from partners who exploit their inexperience and emotional vulnerability.

The rise of technology has made this worse. Abusers now use social media and messaging apps to control and intimidate victims, tracking their every move, demanding proof of loyalty, and isolating them from friends and family. What begins as “love” or “protection” often evolves into psychological imprisonment.

The younger generation also faces a culture that romanticises possessiveness and normalizes toxicity—especially through media and online trends that blur the lines between affection and control.

Why It Feels Like a Public Emergency

Domestic abuse isn’t a “private matter.” It’s a national crisis that touches every corner of society—healthcare, education, housing, and the criminal justice system.

• In 2024 alone, UK police recorded nearly 2 million domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes.
• One in five children witness domestic abuse at home, leaving lifelong emotional and psychological scars.
• Financial abuse is on the rise, leaving victims trapped and dependent on their abusers.
• The cost to the UK economy is estimated at over £70 billion a year, when accounting for lost productivity, healthcare, and social services.

And yet, the resources available are insufficient. Refuge spaces are full. Court cases are delayed. Victims are being turned away due to funding cuts.

The truth is that domestic abuse should be treated with the same urgency as a pandemic—because it spreads quietly, destroys lives, and destabilizes communities.

What Needs to Change

1. Early Education:

Schools should teach emotional intelligence, consent, and healthy relationship dynamics from an early age. Prevention starts with awareness.

2. Stronger Legal Protection:

Laws exist, but enforcement is inconsistent. Coercive control, stalking, and emotional abuse must be treated as serious crimes with real consequences.

3. More Funding for Support Services:

Shelters, mental health support, and legal aid must be accessible to all victims—regardless of gender, age, or immigration status.

4. Community Involvement:

Everyone has a role to play—neighbours, employers, teachers, and friends. Recognizing the signs and offering support can save lives.

5. Digital Safety Measures:

Tech companies should take responsibility for preventing and responding to online abuse. Stricter controls and faster response systems are needed.

In the UK, domestic abuse is a humanitarian problem as well as a societal one. The increasing proportion of younger victims indicates that the issue is developing more quickly than our systems can handle it.

It’s time for society to recognise domestic violence for what it is: a public emergency requiring political resolve, national cohesion, and humane action. The cycle of abuse won’t start to end until we stop considering it a “private tragedy” and begin to approach it as a public duty.

Frequently Asked Questions on Domestic Abuse in the UK

1. What is considered domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse includes any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour between intimate partners or family members. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological. The key element is control—where one person tries to dominate another.

2. Who can be a victim of domestic abuse?

Anyone can be a victim—regardless of gender, age, race, sexuality, or social class. While women are statistically more likely to experience severe abuse, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, and even children can also be victims.

3. Why do many victims stay in abusive relationships?

Leaving an abusive relationship is rarely simple. Victims may stay because of fear, financial dependence, children, social stigma, love, or psychological manipulation. Many are also threatened with violence if they attempt to leave.

4. What are the warning signs of domestic abuse?

Some red flags include:

• Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
• Monitoring or controlling phone and social media use
• Isolating you from friends or family
• Frequent criticism, humiliation, or blame
• Threats of harm or suicide if you leave
• Physical violence or destruction of property
• Control over money or access to resources

5. How common is domestic abuse in the UK?

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), around 2.1 million adults experience domestic abuse each year—1.4 million women and 700,000 men. Experts believe the true figure is higher, as many victims never report their abuse.

6. What support is available for victims?

Victims can access helplines, shelters, counselling, and legal support. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) offers confidential, 24-hour support. Local charities like Women’s Aid, Refuge, and Men’s Advice Line also provide free assistance.

7. Can domestic abuse be emotional or non-physical?

Yes. Domestic abuse doesn’t always involve hitting or physical harm. Emotional and psychological abuse, such as gaslighting, intimidation, and isolation, can be equally damaging and are recognised under UK law.

8. What should I do if I suspect someone is being abused?

If you think someone you know is in danger:

• Don’t confront the abuser directly.
• Listen and let the victim speak in their own time.
• Offer support, such as information about helplines or safe places.
• Call the police (999) if someone’s life is in immediate danger.

9. What legal protections exist for victims in the UK?

UK law offers several protections, including:

• Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs)
• Non-molestation and occupation orders
• Restraining orders
• The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which legally recognizes coercive control and provides new safeguards for victims.