Introduction
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time in a relationship.
It is estimated that one in five of people in England and Wales have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime. Domestic abuse (sometimes referred to as domestic violence) occurs in a range of relationships, including with an intimate partner, a child, a sibling, an ex-partner, a casual partner or a family member. It can happen at any point in a relationship, whether you live with the person or not.
Domestic abuse is not always physical. Any type of threatening, controlling or coercive behaviour is abuse – whether it is physical, psychological, sexual, economic or emotional.
Domestic abuse is a high harm, high volume crime that remains largely hidden. Nationally it is estimated that 2.3 million adults aged 16 to 74 had experienced domestic abuse in 2022. However, there can be many barriers to disclosing abuse, seeking criminal justice outcomes, and accessing services.
Whilst both men and women can be affected by domestic abuse, females are disproportionately the victims. Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse – regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief. In addition, domestic abuse can manifest itself in different ways within different communities.