Domestic Abuse Definition
The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.”
Key statistics about domestic abuse in England and Wales
- Each year nearly 2 million people in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse - 1.3 million female victims (8.2% of the population) and 600,000 male victims (4%)
- Each year more than 100,000 people in the UK are at high and imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse
- Women are much more likely than men to be the victims of high risk or severe domestic abuse: 95% of those going to Marac or accessing an Idva service are women
- In 2013-14 the police recorded 887,000 domestic abuse incidents in England and Wales
- Seven women a month are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales
- On average victims at high risk of serious harm or murder live with domestic abuse for 2-3 years before getting help
- 85% of victims sought help five times on average from professionals in the year before they got effective help to stop the abuse
Indicators of domestic abuse
People experiencing domestic abuse may show signs of;
- physical injuries
- excuses for frequent injuries
- stress, anxiety or depression
- absent from work and social occasions
- personality changes – being jumpy or nervous
- low self-esteem
- lack of independent communication
- self-blame
- increased alcohol or drug use
- lack of money
- damage to property.
If you think you or someone you know is being abused
If you think that someone is being abused, get help. There are many local agencies across the UK. You can also get help from:
National helplines:
- National Domestic Violence 24 hour Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 [email protected]
- Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 (office hours) [email protected]
- Rape crisis helpline 0808 802 9999
Police: 999 (if you are in immediate danger) or 101
