2.3 Identify the prevalence of domestic abuse

This guide will help you answer 2.3 Identify the prevalence of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is a serious public health and social care concern across the UK. It affects people from different backgrounds, ages and communities. It is not limited to physical violence. It can include emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, as well as controlling or coercive behaviour.

Prevalence refers to how common domestic abuse is within a population over a specific period. In the UK, domestic abuse is monitored through official data sources, such as Police records, Office for National Statistics reports and charity helplines. Understanding how widespread it is helps health and social care workers identify risks, provide targeted support and influence policies that protect victims.

National Statistics on Domestic Abuse

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that domestic abuse is significant in frequency. Surveys and recorded incidents reveal high levels of occurrence.

Some key points from recent UK data include:

• Around 2.4 million adults are affected by domestic abuse each year
• This includes both male and female victims, although women are more likely to experience repeated abuse
• The Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that women between the ages of 16 and 24 report the highest levels of victimisation
• Police data shows hundreds of thousands of recorded domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales annually
• A large proportion of abuse incidents do not lead to criminal charges, often due to lack of evidence or victims not wishing to proceed

These figures highlight how widespread domestic abuse is and show that recorded figures are often lower than the real numbers due to under-reporting.

Gender Differences in Prevalence

Domestic abuse affects both men and women, but women experience higher rates and often suffer more severe consequences. Research shows:

• Women are more likely to experience sexual violence as part of domestic abuse
• Men may be reluctant to report abuse for fear of not being believed
• Male victims can face social stigma and limited access to specialist support services

Understanding this difference in prevalence helps health and social care workers to approach support with sensitivity. Both men and women can be victims, and services need to respond to all cases respectfully and equally.

Age and Prevalence

Domestic abuse can affect people of all ages, but certain age groups may be at greater risk.

• Young adults aged 16 to 24 show the highest prevalence in surveys
• Older people can also be victims, particularly in cases of abuse by adult children, carers or partners
• Teenage relationship abuse is a growing concern, with coercive control and online abuse being reported more frequently

Different age groups may need different types of intervention and support. For example, young people may benefit from education on healthy relationships, and older victims may require strong safeguarding measures.

Relationship to Socio-Economic Factors

Domestic abuse occurs in all socio-economic groups, but some risk factors are linked to higher prevalence:

• Poverty and financial stress can contribute to abusive environments
• Limited access to housing can trap victims in abusive relationships
• Unemployment can increase tension within households
• Alcohol and drug misuse can be present in some abuse cases

Being aware of these factors helps health and social care workers spot potential risks and understand the context behind abuse.

Under-Reporting of Domestic Abuse

Actual prevalence is higher than reported figures suggest. Many victims do not disclose abuse for a range of reasons:

• Fear of retaliation from the abuser
• Worry about losing their home or income
• Shame or embarrassment about the situation
• Lack of trust in authorities or belief they will not be helped
• Cultural and community pressures

Health and social care workers must be aware that a person may show signs of abuse without openly discussing it. Building trust and providing safe spaces for disclosure are key.

Types of Abuse and How They Affect Prevalence Understanding

Different forms of abuse may be reported at different rates. This affects how prevalence is understood:

• Physical abuse is more visible and may be reported more often
• Emotional abuse can be subtle and harder to detect
• Financial abuse may not be recognised by victims until much later
• Coercive control is now legally recognised in the UK but can be challenging to prove

This variation means national statistics may underrepresent certain types of abuse. Workers should remember that prevalence data may reflect reporting patterns rather than full reality.

Monitoring and Measuring Prevalence

In the UK, several systems measure domestic abuse prevalence:

• Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW)
• Police-recorded crime figures
• Data from charities such as Refuge and Women’s Aid
• Local authority safeguarding statistics
• Health records capturing instances of injury and disclosure

Each source has strengths and weaknesses. Surveys capture unreported cases but rely on self-reporting. Police data reflects only reported incidents. Combining sources gives a clearer picture.

The Role of Health and Social Care Workers

Workers in health and social care have a responsibility to understand prevalence so they can:

• Recognise early warning signs in patients and clients
• Provide support and signposting to appropriate services
• Implement safeguarding protocols to protect victims
• Record information accurately for statistical use
• Contribute to wider prevention strategies

By being aware of prevalence patterns, workers can anticipate risks and respond promptly.

Link Between Prevalence and Policy

Government policies use prevalence data to shape laws and funding priorities. For example:

• The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 strengthened legal definitions and protection
• Local councils fund refuges and outreach programmes based on measured needs
• Training requirements for professionals are informed by prevalence statistics

If prevalence is underestimated, services may be underfunded, leaving victims without adequate support.

Geographic Differences in Prevalence

Domestic abuse prevalence can vary across regions:

• Urban areas may report higher numbers, sometimes linked to population density and more accessible reporting systems
• Rural victims may experience isolation with fewer services available
• Local culture and community attitudes can influence how likely people are to report abuse

Workers should be aware of regional differences and adapt support based on local circumstances.

Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Abuse Prevalence

During lockdown periods, many organisations recorded increases in domestic abuse reports:

• Victims were trapped at home with abusers
• Reduced access to friends, family and support agencies
• Increased stress and financial strain amplified risks

The pandemic highlighted how quickly prevalence levels can change under social pressures. Health and social care services adapted by providing telephone and online support.

Patterns in Repeat Victimisation

Prevalence data shows many victims experience repeated abuse over time. This pattern means:

• Single recorded incidents often mask long histories of abuse
• Long-term exposure can lead to severe health consequences
• The cycle of abuse can make escaping more difficult

Workers must understand that prevalence statistics may reflect single incidents but the reality often involves repeated harm.

Children and Domestic Abuse

Children are affected both directly and indirectly by domestic abuse. Prevalence in this context includes:

• Children witnessing abuse between adults at home
• Children being directly abused by a parent or caregiver
• Emotional consequences from living in an abusive environment

Support for children must be part of domestic abuse strategies, with prevalence data helping to plan safeguarding interventions.

Support Services and Prevalence Trends

Charities, helplines and refuges track their service usage. Trends in these figures can signal changes in prevalence:

• Increased calls to helplines can suggest rising cases or greater willingness to report
• Growth in demand for refuge spaces highlights safety concerns
• Waiting list data reflects how stretched services are

Such trends help health and social care workers understand the current situation in their community.

Importance of Public Awareness Campaigns

Awareness campaigns can influence prevalence reporting:

• Campaigns encourage victims to come forward
• They educate the public on identifying abuse
• Services often see increases in calls after campaign launches

Health and social care workers can support these campaigns by sharing information and using materials in their practice.

Final Thoughts

Domestic abuse prevalence is high in the UK. Understanding how common it is, and the factors that influence reporting, is a key responsibility in health and social care work. Figures from surveys, police records and support services all point to widespread harm affecting individuals, families and communities.

Workers must treat prevalence data with care, recognising that official statistics often understate the scale of abuse. By remaining alert, promoting safe disclosure and using accurate data, health and social care practitioners can make a difference in reducing harm and improving the lives of victims. Careful attention to trends, differences across groups and ongoing changes in society will help services respond effectively to domestic abuse.