Latest ONS figures reinforce the case for stronger domestic abuse data and survivor support
The latest ONS crime figures released last week estimate that 4.7 million adults experienced domestic abuse in the last year, equivalent to 9.6% of the adult population of England and Wales. This includes 11.5% of women (around one in eight), and 7.6% of men (around one in 13). This marks a significant increase compared with the year to March 2025, when the same survey found that 7.8% of adults had experienced domestic abuse. The figures highlight once again the scale of domestic abuse and its impact on millions of lives.
The most important message in this year’s release, however, is one of caution. The ONS has been clear that it is too early to determine whether the higher prevalence estimate reflects a genuine rise in domestic abuse. Changes to data collection in the 2026 survey, including new wording of questions, may have contributed to this increase. While the increase is statistically significant and appears to be driven largely by reports of partner abuse, the findings should not be interpreted in isolation or as evidence of a clear long-term trend.
What the findings do demonstrate, unequivocally, is the scale of the challenge. Millions of people continue to experience domestic abuse every year.
The redeveloped survey captures important forms of abuse that were previously less visible in national estimates, including economic abuse and health-related abuse. This is an important step forward in improving our understanding of survivors’ experiences. However, significant gaps remain. The survey does not fully capture all forms of coercive control and technology-facilitated abuse, and some groups at heightened risk are excluded from the survey population altogether.
The true scale, severity and impact of domestic abuse may therefore be greater than these estimates suggest.
Susie Hay, Head of Research, Evaluation and Analysis at SafeLivesAt SafeLives, we welcome continued efforts to improve how domestic abuse is measured. These figures provide an important reminder of the scale of domestic abuse, but prevalence alone cannot tell us whether survivors are safer, whether support is available when people need it, or whether public investment is making a meaningful difference to outcomes.
Data helps us understand the scale of domestic abuse, but data alone does not keep survivors safe. We need better evidence on survivors’ needs, stronger data on service provision and outcomes, and sustained investment in the support that enables people to live free from abuse. Alongside better measurement, we need coordinated, whole-system action that ensures every survivor can access the right support, at the right time.