Summary
Millions more adults in England and Wales are now recognized as victims of domestic abuse after the definition was broadened in a new survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This change highlights that over 12 million people have faced abusive behavior from family members or partners, significantly higher than previous estimates. The survey now includes questions on emotional and coercive behavior, giving a clearer picture of abuse.
Key Facts
- The ONS updated its crime survey to include new questions on controlling and coercive behavior.
- More than 12 million people in England and Wales are thought to have experienced domestic abuse, up from 10 million in past data.
- The survey shows that 18% of adults have experienced emotional abuse, and 12% have faced economic abuse.
- The survey's updated approach aims to capture a broader scope of abusive behaviors.
- The Public Accounts Committee called for better data on violence against women and girls (VAWG).
- Women are more frequently the victims of repeated or severe abuse, accounting for most domestic homicide victims.
- The Home Office emphasized the importance of the new data for understanding and reducing domestic abuse.
- Answers in the survey were privately collected on tablets to enhance privacy, differing from traditional spoken interviews.
