INFORMATION · LAST REVIEWED 20 AUGUST 2026
What the Latest Domestic Abuse Statistics Tell Us About the Scale of Need
The latest national prevalence estimates highlight the scale and varied forms of domestic abuse, and the continuing need for safe, accessible support.
Source: Office for National Statistics, Crime Survey for England and Wales, year ending March 2025.
The latest official domestic abuse statistics provide an important reminder of the scale and varied nature of abuse across England and Wales.
At the time of this review, the latest national prevalence estimates available were for the year ending March 2025. The Office for National Statistics has confirmed that estimates for the year ending March 2026 will be published separately later in 2026. More recent police-recorded offence figures are included separately because they represent cases brought to police attention rather than the overall number of people experiencing abuse. National survey estimates therefore provide a broader picture of prevalence than police-recorded data alone.
Key Findings at a Glance
3.8 million
People aged 16 and over were estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.
2.2m women
1.5m men
Were included in the latest national estimates of people experiencing domestic abuse.
Around 1 in 4
People were estimated to have experienced domestic abuse at some point since the age of 16.
An Estimated 3.8 Million People Experienced Domestic Abuse
The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that 3.8 million people aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025. This represented 7.8% of the population in this age group, or approximately one person in every 13.[1]
The survey estimated that domestic abuse was experienced by:
• 9.1% of female respondents, approximately 2.2 million people
• 6.5% of male respondents, approximately 1.5 million people.[2]
The figures are rounded, so the totals may not add together exactly.
The survey also estimated that 25.8% of people aged 16 years and over had experienced domestic abuse at some point since the age of 16. This is approximately 12.5 million people, or around one person in every four.[1]
These estimates show that domestic abuse affects people across different communities and circumstances. Statistics alone, however, cannot represent every person’s experience or the barriers they may face when seeking safety.
Domestic Abuse Is Not Limited to Physical Violence
Domestic abuse can take many forms. The statutory definition established by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 includes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological, emotional or other abuse.[3]
The latest survey findings reinforce this broader understanding. During the year ending March 2025:
5.0%
Experienced emotional abuse
2.7%
Experienced economic abuse
2.6%
Experienced threats
2.2%
Experienced domestic stalking
1.6%
Experienced domestic sexual assault
Experiences can involve more than one form of abuse, demonstrating why support should respond to each person’s circumstances, risks and individual needs.[1]
Police Records Provide Only Part of the Picture
More recent police data are available for the year ending March 2026. During that period, police categorised 834,256 offences as domestic abuse-related in England and Wales. Of these, 643,061 were violence against the person offences.[4]
Police-recorded figures represent offences brought to police attention rather than the total number of people experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse may never be reported, and changes in recording practices can also affect the number of offences recorded. National prevalence estimates and police-recorded figures therefore provide different, complementary perspectives on the continuing scale of need.
Why Accessible Support Remains Important
Behind every statistic is a person whose circumstances, risks and support needs may be different.
People escaping domestic abuse may face housing insecurity, financial control, isolation, language barriers, immigration or legal concerns, caring responsibilities, health needs, or concerns about leaving a pet behind. These barriers can affect whether, when and how someone feels able to seek help.
Her Safe Network provides safe, inclusive and pet friendly accommodation and support for people escaping domestic abuse, crisis or unsafe circumstances. Alongside accommodation, we provide regular wellbeing contact, practical and emotional support, and help survivors access appropriate health, housing, benefits, language, legal and specialist pathways.
Referrals are reviewed according to individual circumstances, identified risks, support needs and the availability of suitable accommodation.
Reaching safety may be the first step. Accessible and coordinated support can help reduce practical barriers and support longer term stability and independence.
If you or someone you know needs safe accommodation or support, please contact Her Safe Network or complete our Referral Form.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Why Accessible Support Remains Important
[1] Office for National Statistics (2025), Domestic abuse prevalence and trends, England and Wales: year ending March 2025, released 26 November 2025.
[2] Office for National Statistics (2025), Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview: November 2025, released 26 November 2025.
[3] Home Office (2023), Domestic Abuse: statutory guidance, updated 13 April 2023.
[4] Office for National Statistics (2026), Crime in England and Wales: year ending March 2026, released 23 July 2026.