Responding to the latest ‘Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview’ from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Ellie Butt, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Refuge, said:
“This week’s ONS figures are a stark reminder that domestic abuse remains at epidemic levels, underscoring the need for the Government to take bold and decisive action to fulfil its pledge to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within the next decade.
“The data shows that, in England and Wales, an estimated 3.8 million people over the age of 16 experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025, 2.2 million of whom were women. During the same period, the police recorded 1.4 million domestic abuse-related incidents (533,967) and crimes (816,493). Yet we know the reality is even more devastating, with ONS data not capturing the full extent of controlling and coercive behaviour, or the experiences of children.
“Worryingly, the ONS data confirms that young people are facing disproportionately high levels of domestic abuse. Figures show that a significantly higher proportion of people aged 16 to 19 years (18.2%) and 20 to 24 years (12.9%) experienced domestic abuse compared with those aged 25 and over.
“Earlier this year, data from Refuge’s support services revealed a concerning rise in domestic abuse among young women and girls aged 16 – 25, particularly involving psychological abuse, coercive control and physical violence. Although young survivors often face barriers to recognition and support, it is undeniable that there is an epidemic of abuse among young people.
“During the year ending March 2025, the Crown Prosecution Services (CPS) received 76,393 referrals from the police for domestic abuse related offences, charged 53,919 suspects and convicted 41,070 offenders. While these mark increases on the previous year, these rates remain woefully low given the true scale of domestic abuse.
“Many survivors we support tell us they are too afraid to report to the police, fearing they won’t be believed. For the few police reports that do result in a charge, survivors often face a long and traumatic court process, while chronic underfunding has created a postcode lottery in access to independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs), who help survivors navigate the system and pursue convictions.
“This week’s Autumn Budget marked yet another missed opportunity for the Government to commit to increasing funding and show survivors that it is serious about tackling VAWG. Meeting this ambition requires more than statements of intent – it demands sustained investment in a full range of specialist domestic abuse services. Without properly resourced services, survivors will continue to face barriers to accessing the lifesaving support they deserve.”
