Domestic abuse rises in England and Wales
Office for National Statistics survey shows a significant increase in partner abuse.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA significant increase in the proportion of adults experiencing domestic abuse has been recorded across England and Wales. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey found that 9.6% of people aged 16 and over were victims of domestic abuse in the year to March 2026. This equates to approximately 4.7 million individuals.
This figure marks a rise from 7.8% in the previous year, ending March 2025, when an estimated 3.8 million people experienced domestic abuse. The ONS stated that this increase indicates genuine change in the prevalence of domestic abuse.
Partner Abuse Drives Increase
The primary driver behind this rise is an increase in partner abuse. In the year to March 2026, 7.9% of adults reported experiencing abuse from a partner, compared to 6.1% in the year ending March 2025. In contrast, figures for family abuse remained broadly similar, with 2.8% of adults experiencing it in the latest period, up slightly from 2.7% the year before.
Meghan Elkin, ONS head of crime statistics, commented on the findings. She stated that while minor adjustments to the survey methodology and the inherent uncertainties in collecting data on such a sensitive subject may have influenced the estimates, the ONS assessment points to a real increase in domestic abuse. Further data collection is needed to better understand these trends and uncertainties.
The ONS survey is a key source for understanding crime and social trends across England and Wales. The latest findings highlight a concerning upward trend in domestic abuse, particularly concerning relationships between partners.
Questions this report answers
01What percentage of adults experienced domestic abuse in the year to March 2026?
In the year to March 2026, 9.6% of adults aged 16 and over in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse. This represents an estimated 4.7 million people and is an increase from the previous year.
02What is driving the increase in domestic abuse figures?
The rise in domestic abuse is primarily driven by an increase in partner abuse. Figures show that 7.9% of adults experienced abuse from a partner in the year to March 2026, up from 6.1% the previous year.
03Did the ONS state the increase is due to actual change?
Yes, the Office for National Statistics stated that while minor survey adjustments may have had some effect, their assessment is that the rise in domestic abuse includes real change. More data is needed to fully understand the trend.
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