Better data means a better response to domestic abuse

It brings together national and local domestic abuse data from four different sources and was produced following a recommendation by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

There were an estimated 1.8 million adults aged 16 to 59 who said they were a victim of domestic abuse in the last year. Domestic abuse-related crimes recorded by the police accounted for approximately 1 in 10 of all crimes.

Police were consulted on the bulletin along with the Crown Prosecution Service and relevant charities.

National Police Chiefs' Council Lead on Domestic Abuse, Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, said:

"The better our data, the better we understand domestic abuse as a crime and the more we can do to support victims and prevent harm, which is what really matters.

"However, this is only the first phase of a wider project and caution must be taken when interpreting the data or trying to make direct comparisons across different organisations, methodologies and points in time. For now, it should be used to stimulate thought rather than draw conclusions. Effective interpretation of the data may help us make the best use of new legislation like that on coercive and controlling behaviour.

“The statistics do not currently represent the extent of our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and the scale of the challenge we face. It is still far too acceptable in society. Reports to the police are continuing to rise and the gap between experienced crime and recorded crime is narrowing. It is good to see more victims having the confidence to come forward and start to take back control from those who seek to control and intimidate them.

"Domestic abuse is a serious crime and never the fault of the victim. We are here to help. If you have experienced any type of domestic abuse, or think it may be happening to someone else, call your local police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999."