Refuge responds to the new Domestic Homicides and Victim Suicides report

Responding to the new Domestic Homicides and Suspected Victim Suicides 2020-2024 Year 4 Report, Ellie Butt, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Refuge, said:

“Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is at epidemic levels, so the findings of today’s report sadly come as no surprise. The high number of both homicides and suicides underscores what we already know about the horrific prevalence of domestic abuse. However, we expect these figures to represent only the tip of the iceberg as suicides caused by domestic abuse continue to be severely under-reported.

“Over the past four years, coercive and controlling behaviour has consistently been identified as one of the biggest risk factors in relation to deaths caused by domestic abuse perpetrators. As a society, we cannot afford to continue trivialising coercive control when its devastating consequences are so clear.

“Suicides related to domestic abuse continue to make up the majority of deaths. And yet, despite the severe impact that domestic abuse can have on the mental wellbeing of those who experience it, deaths by suicide have historically not been recognised as domestic abuse-related deaths. While we welcome the improved recognition, tangible steps must now be taken to better support those experiencing domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse is a systemic issue, and many of these tragic deaths could have been prevented. Overall, 67% of perpetrators were known to police. This figure is even higher in the case of suicides, with almost 90% of victims and/or perpetrators being known to partner agencies.

“These chilling figures highlight the critical need for a multi-agency approach to tackling domestic abuse – in line with the report’s recommendations – alongside an improved police response to reports of abuse.

“Young people are often overlooked when it comes to domestic abuse, as those under 16 are not covered by the Domestic Abuse Act. Refuge has seen alarmingly high levels of domestic abuse among young people, yet there remains a glaring lack of support and education for teenagers. The report’s recommendation for police to consider young people as potential survivors or victims of domestic abuse is crucial in ensuring this age group is included in future efforts to tackle domestic abuse.

“Women are being failed by the justice system every day, and this report must serve as a wake-up call. If the Government is serious about halving VAWG within the next decade, it must urgently review the report’s recommendations before more lives are lost to domestic abuse.”