Domestic Abuse Affects 1 in 10 Adults in England and Wales, ONS Finds 2026

Nearly one in 10 adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the past year, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) found that 9.6% of people aged 16 and over — about 4.7 million people — reported domestic abuse in the year to September 2025, up from 7.8% (3.8 million) the previous year.

The increase was driven largely by a significant rise in intimate partner abuse, which climbed by almost 2 percentage points. Family abuse showed no significant change, growing by just 0.1%. The survey also introduced new questions on sexual victimisation and stalking, revealing that 2.1% of adults (about 1 million) had experienced sexual victimisation and 3.9% (about 1.9 million) had experienced stalking.

What the ONS Data Reveals About Domestic Abuse

The CSEW is a long-running, nationally representative survey that asks adults about their experiences of crime, including domestic abuse. The latest results show a marked increase in overall prevalence, reversing a previous decline.

According to the ONS, the rise in intimate partner abuse was statistically significant, while family abuse remained stable. The new questions on sexual victimisation and stalking are not directly comparable with earlier estimates because they were asked for the first time in this format.

When combining all three crime types, the ONS estimates that 10.9% of adults — about 5.3 million people — experienced at least one of domestic abuse, sexual victimisation, or stalking in the last year.

Why the Increase Matters

Domestic abuse charities described the figures as deeply concerning. They argue the rise suggests the government is “not on track to fulfil its pledge” to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade.

The data also highlights the scale of intimate partner abuse, which accounts for the bulk of the increase. This form of abuse can include physical, emotional, psychological, and financial control, and it often goes unreported to police.

Charities warn that without sustained investment in prevention, support services, and criminal justice responses, the numbers are likely to remain high or even grow.

Key Takeaways from the ONS Survey

• 9.6% of adults (4.7 million) experienced domestic abuse in the last year, up from 7.8% the year before.
• Intimate partner abuse rose by almost 2 percentage points, driving the overall increase.
• Family abuse showed no significant change, growing by only 0.1%.
• 2.1% of adults (1 million) experienced sexual victimisation; 3.9% (1.9 million) experienced stalking.
• Combined, 10.9% of adults (5.3 million) experienced at least one of these crimes.

How the Figures Compare

*New questions; not comparable with previous estimates.

What to Watch Next

The government has committed to halving violence against women and girls by 2030. These figures will intensify pressure on ministers to demonstrate progress, particularly on intimate partner abuse.

Charities are calling for ring-fenced funding for domestic abuse services, better training for police and health professionals, and a renewed focus on prevention in schools. The next ONS release will be closely watched to see whether the upward trend continues.

For older adults, domestic abuse can be particularly hidden, often mistaken for age-related decline or carer stress. Specialist services exist, but awareness among older people and their families remains low. The recent assisted dying bill defeated in England and Wales vote highlighted how legislative decisions can shape end-of-life care and protections for vulnerable adults. The background to this story is set out in Public Overestimates Minority Ethnic Killers in England and Wales. A related thread runs through Pregnant Women Domestic Abuse Disclosures in England Maternity.

Understanding the scale of abuse is a first step. The ONS data provides a clearer picture of prevalence, but it also underscores the need for accessible reporting routes and support for all age groups. As the assisted dying bill defeated in England and Wales vote demonstrated, public debate and parliamentary action can move quickly when evidence is compelling. Earlier coverage in Specialist Courtrooms to Prioritise Rape Cases in England and Wales shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Max Miller Faces Backlash Over Domestic Abuse Allegations.

For families concerned about an older relative, recognising the signs of domestic abuse — such as withdrawal, unexplained injuries, or sudden changes in financial behavior — is crucial. The assisted dying bill defeated in England and Wales vote also raised questions about safeguarding, reminding us that protection must extend across the lifespan. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Max Miller Domestic Abuse Allegations Spark Resignation Calls.

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