This Lords Library briefing examines the issue of domestic violence and abuse in the United Kingdom.
Domestic Violence and Abuse in the UK (83 KB , PDF)
The Crime Survey for England and Wales 2013/14 revealed that approximately 28.3 percent of women and 14.7 percent of men in England and Wales have experienced some form of domestic abuse since the age of 16, which is the equivalent of an estimated 4.9 million female and 2.7 million male victims. Further, a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has revealed that since 2013, the number of recorded cases of domestic violence and abuse in England and Wales has increased by 31 percent (from 269,700 to 353,100). This In Focus note provides further statistical breakdowns of domestic violence and abuse in the United Kingdom, and highlights some of the recent policies and legislation aimed at addressing the issue.
Domestic Violence and Abuse in the UK (83 KB , PDF)
The crown court backlog reached a record high of 73,105 cases in September 2024. The impact on victims, witnesses and defendants has been significant as they wait longer for their cases to be resolved. The government commissioned an independent review of criminal courts that will produce reform recommendations to address crown court pressures. Whilst stakeholders have welcomed the review, some have called for more immediate action to reduce the backlog.
In the 2021 ‘End-to-end rape review’, the Conservative government pointed to a sharp decrease in rape prosecutions since 2016/17. Issues cited include long delays during the criminal justice process and a lack of specialist support for victims. Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto argued prosecutions were “shamefully low”. It committed to specialist rape and sexual offences teams in every police force and specialist courts to fast-track rape cases.
The Regulated and Other Activities (Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Grey-Thompson (Crossbench). It received its first reading on 29 July 2024 and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 17 January 2025.
![Regulated and Other Activities (Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 9 of 2024–25](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Crime-568x426.png)