Domestic Abuse in the UK

Domestic abuse is a complex issue affecting individuals of all backgrounds in the UK. Dr. Morag Kennedy, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, explores the origins, impact, and evolving legal landscape of domestic abuse, with a focus on coercive control, victim support, and the need for greater awareness and education. Discover insights on how we can better address this pervasive problem and create a safer, more inclusive society for all.

Dr Morag Kennedy
Senior Lecturer in Criminology
Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ)

• The statistics show that domestic abuse is widespread across the UK, with 2.4 million adults affected in 2024. Why do you think there is such a high number of cases, and what can be done to address the underlying causes of this issue?

The origins of domestic abuse stem from the need to maintain power and control over an intimate partner no matter the partner’s gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religion and other factors. It is significantly gendered due to patriarchal gender norms in society which consider men as dominant figures within larger society. However, anyone can be impacted by domestic abuse.

While the number of cases is really high in the UK, we still have significant issues with underreporting and unrecording, so the figure of 2.4 million adults is likely to be underestimated when it comes to domestic abuse. With that being said, acknowledging and understanding of the complexity of domestic abuse has improved reporting. However, stigma and a lack of cultural awareness is still a significant problem in the UK.

Despite improvements in terms of domestic abuse moving from the private to public domain, there needs to be greater awareness of potential victim groups with an understanding that the experience of domestic abuse cannot be homogenised. It is a unique experience for each victim although some similarities can be made. Education is one way in which this issue can addressed. Children from a young age should be made aware of healthy relationships in order to ensure the next generation does not reproduce the gender inequality that continues to exist today.

• Domestic violence can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. How do these forms of abuse compare in terms of their long-term impact on victims?

Each type of domestic abuse has its own respective consequences. However, all types of domestic abuse can, arguably, be understood through the lens of coercive control which was criminalised in the UK as part of the Serious Crime Act 2015. It is now recognised and continues to be criminalised in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Coercive control includes a range of behaviours which can involve the possibility of physical abuse, intimidation, isolation and control. This control can be maintained through emotional, psychological, sexual or financial means, or a combination of two or more forms of abuse. Coercive control is the most accurate predictor of homicide with a ratio of 9:1. This means that the likely long-term consequence for those experiencing domestic abuse, where coercive control is the underlying mechanism of control, is death.

• Many victims of domestic violence fear seeking help due to shame, fear of not being believed, or concerns about losing their children. How can society work to create a safer, more supportive environment for victims to come forward.

We need to do more in terms of raising awareness and educating the public on coercive control. There is still an emphasis on the physical elements of abuse being the most harmful, but there is more evidence showing that emotional and psychological abuse can have more devastating impacts long-term. Fear is the driving force in coercive control. It is fear that prevents victims from resisting and responding to abuse. While this is a very difficult element within coercive control to address, as fear can be based on previous experiences, it is important that victims feel acknowledged and seen. Having the tools to identify coercive control will allow victims or those supporting victims to be able to document and recognise the signs, potentially making them feel more comfortable coming forward.

We also need to take a more holistic approach, taking into account identity factors which may impact those disclosing abuse or seeking support. This is one failure of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. It neglects the experiences of those from minority communities, even though this group of individuals are more likely to be adversely affected by domestic abuse. Learning as a society to be more inclusive and less discriminatory will foster a more open space for victims to speak out.

• The impact of domestic abuse extends to children as well, with over 1.5 million children in the UK living in households where abuse takes place. What can be done to protect children and support their mental health in these situations?

Early intervention or, at the very least, identifying signs of abuse in children is likely to reduce the risk of further victimisation. It is important that children feel heard and safe with any form of disclosure. We know that children need a safe space to disclose abuse, reassurance that the abuse is not their fault, and confidence knowing their disclosure is being taking seriously.

In situations where children are living in an environment with domestic abuse as a victim or witness to said abuse, listening to them and acknowledging the harm that has been caused can positively impact their mental health. It is also likely to help with future disclosures. Creating a safe environment, after being victimised or witnessing abuse, is extremely important to children’s mental health as it helps to reduce the perpetual fear they have been living with.

• Despite the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in the UK, many victims still face barriers when seeking help. What additional measures or resources would you suggest to better support victims and address the gaps in the current system?

Given the current economic climate, suggesting better or more access to resources for all victims is rudimentary. However, more practical solutions for victims and those supporting victims (i.e. co-victims) experiencing domestic abuse is much more beneficial. While the law continues to evolve and develop, the work of Sandra Walklate and colleagues (2018) rings true in that perhaps we need to move away from further legal reform. The law can only go so far and, often, victims do not want to report domestic abuse for a range of reasons such as fear of reprisal from the perpetrator. As such, we need to focus on more practical measures such as help with housing, finances, visa issues, and ensuring victims have the support to leave an abusive relationship as and when they feel they are ready to do so. As potential separation and post-separation increases the risk of homicide for victims, we need to pay more attention to support at this crucial time.