Facts and Statistics
The numbers don’t lie: they tell a clear story about the prevalence and harmful effects of abuse.
The facts tell a clear story…
Domestic abuse is all too common in the UK, and its harmful impacts on survivors can extend to many areas of their lives, including mental health, physical wellbeing and family safety.
Fact: The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.
Yet it is estimated that less than 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police.
Fact: 1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime.
Domestic abuse feels incredibly isolating, but the numbers tell a different story: you are not alone.
Fact: On average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex every five days in England and Wales.
If you are afraid of your partner, Refuge is here to help you. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Fact: It takes, on average, 7 attempts before a woman is able to leave for good.
Leaving an abusive partner is a process, not a single act.
Fact: Domestic abuse is linked to depression and homelessness.
Women who experience domestic abuse are twice as likely to experience depression, and 40% of homeless women state domestic abuse as a contributory factor to their homelessness.
Fact: Domestic abuse can lead women to suicide.
It is estimated that around 3 women a week die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse.
Fact: 20% of children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse.
That’s 1 in 5 kids.
Fact: Domestic abuse gets worse during pregnancy.
About 20% of women in Refuge’s services are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Fact: Young girls in the UK report high incidence of sexual violence.
41% of UK girls aged 14 to 17 in an intimate relationship experienced some form of sexual violence from their partner.
Fact: 93% of defendants in domestic abuse cases are male; 84% of victims are female.
And yet, women are three times more likely to be arrested for incidents of abuse.
Fact: Domestic abuse costs the UK an estimated £23 billion a year.
It is not only weighing on our physical and emotional health, but also our economy.