What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any behaviour used to control, harm, threaten or intimidate someone within a personal relationship. It can happen between partners, ex-partners, or family members, and it affects people of all genders, ages, backgrounds and communities.
In the UK, domestic abuse is defined as a pattern of behaviour that may include physical violence, emotional harm, or controlling actions. It does not have to be a single incident, abuse often builds over time and can become more severe.
Types of Domestic Abuse
Who does it affect?
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone.
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In England and Wales, an estimated 3.8 million people experienced domestic abuse in a single year (year ending March 2025).
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Around 1 in 4 adults will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
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Around 1 in 4 people with disabilities experience domestic abuse in their lifetime
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Police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds
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78% of children are directly harmed as a result of a predator
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16-24 age group had the highest DA incidents in England and Wales
While women are more commonly affected, men, non-binary people, and those in LGBTQ+ relationships can also experience abuse.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, it’s important to know:
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