Only 3% of suicides linked to domestic abuse result in prosecution, data shows
Summary
Only 3% of suicides linked to domestic abuse in England and Wales between 2020 and 2025 have led to prosecutions. Families of victims often face difficulties in getting police to investigate or take their evidence seriously, and experts warn that many abusers go unpunished.Key Facts
- From 2020 to 2025, 553 people died by suicide after suspected domestic abuse in England and Wales.
- Only 17 prosecutions related to these suicides have been made during this time.
- In 2025, people in abusive relationships were more likely to kill themselves than be killed by their partner.
- Lee Milne was the first person in Britain convicted of killing a partner who died by suicide linked to abuse, with a verdict of culpable homicide in Scotland.
- No similar manslaughter convictions have been reached by juries in England and Wales for such cases.
- Police often close domestic abuse investigations after a victim’s suicide without explanation.
- The domestic abuse commissioner said there is inconsistent police work and a lack of thorough investigations.
- Families report challenges in getting police to review evidence and investigate properly after abuse-related suicides.
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