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The official definition of domestic violence provided by the Home Office (2007) is: “Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality”.
For anyone affected by domestic violence, information on how to get help and support can be found below.
The following pages provide statistics and research on the occurrence and experience of domestic violence.
Abusive romantic relationships among adolescent and young adult mothers More+
Why are cohabiting relationships more violent than marriage? More+
Occurrence of domestic violence More+
Experience of domestic violence More+
Children affected by domestic violence More+
November 2009
Together we can end violence against women and girls: a strategy More+
August 2009
National domestic violence delivery plan: Annual progress report 2008/2009 More+
The Government Equalities Office has produced a useful factsheet on the key facts regarding domestic violence.
www.equalities.gov.uk
Women's Aid provides useful FAQs, key statistics and a bibliography on domestic violence.
www.womensaid.org.uk
If it's happening to you
Information, help and support are available. The BBC website is a good source of information for anyone affected by domestic violence.
Organisations you can call for help
There is a 24-hour national domestic violence freephone helpline, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge: 0808 2000 247. More information can be found at Refuge and Women's Aid.
Internet safety
If you're worried about someone knowing which websites you have visited, it is possible to increase your safety and privacy when using the internet. Find out how to do this here.
Further information
More information about domestic violence is available from the Home Office and the Women & Equality Unit websites.
Frequently asked questions about domestic violence can be found on the Women's Aid website.
Other useful helpines:
Northern Ireland Women's Aid: 0800 917 1414
Scottish Domestic Abuse: 0800 027 1234
Wales Domestic Abuse: 0808 80 10 800
Male Advice & Enquiry: 0808 801 0327
Dyn Wales/Dyn Cymru: 0808 801 0321
Forced Marriages Unit: 0207 088 0151
Respect (for domestic violence perpetrators): 0845 122 8609