When we talk about domestic abuse, one of the biggest challenges is understanding the true scale of the problem. For years, the way we’ve gathered statistics hasn’t always reflected the full range of experiences survivors go through - especially when it comes to the forms of abuse that aren’t physical but are just as damaging.
That’s why recent changes from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) are such an important step forward. The ONS, which gathers official statistics for the UK, has updated how it collects data on domestic abuse. These changes aim to provide a clearer, more accurate picture of what people are really going through - and crucially, to make sure all forms of abuse are recognised.
What’s Changed?
The improvements come through the Crime Survey for England and Wales, where thousands of people are asked each year about their experiences of crime, including domestic abuse.
Working with Women’s Aid and the University of Bristol, the ONS has added new questions that better reflect the realities of survivors. These updates now include:
These might sound like small technical changes, but they’re anything but. They help capture experiences that were previously missed - the subtle, often hidden forms of abuse that leave no physical mark, but cause deep and lasting harm.
What the New Data Tells Us
Thanks to the updated approach, the latest figures suggest that:
This doesn’t mean domestic abuse is becoming more common - it means we’re finally getting better at asking the right questions and listening to survivors.
Later this year, the ONS is expected to release more data that will explore the severity and frequency of abuse. That will help build an even clearer picture of the scale of the problem.
Why This Matters
If we want to tackle domestic abuse properly, we need to understand it in all its forms. That means listening to what survivors tell us - and ensuring that’s reflected in the data we rely on for making decisions about funding, policy, and support.
The Home Office has welcomed the improved statistics, saying they’ll be vital in helping meet the government’s target to halve violence against women and girls by 2030. Women’s Aid has also backed the changes, saying they’re a step in the right direction - but also warning that the true scale of domestic abuse may still be underestimated. Many survivors still don’t come forward, for all sorts of reasons: fear, stigma, not knowing where to turn, or simply not recognising that what they’re experiencing is abuse.
That’s why data is only part of the picture. It needs to be backed up by real change - more funding for services, more education and prevention work, and more support that puts survivors first.
What We See at Leeway
At Leeway, these findings echo what we see every day. Abuse isn’t always physical. It can mean being isolated from friends and family, having no control over your own money, or constantly being made to feel afraid, even when no threats are spoken out loud.
We work across Norfolk and Suffolk to support people of all ages who are experiencing domestic abuse. Our teams see just how varied - and how serious - abuse can be. We also know how life-changing the right support can be.
That’s why it’s so important that this new data leads to real improvements in how survivors are supported. We need funding that reflects the true scale of the issue, and services that are equipped to meet the complex needs of the people affected.
Looking Ahead
It’s taken a long time to get to a place where the statistics are finally starting to reflect the reality of domestic abuse. This is progress - and it should be welcomed. But we still have a long way to go.
Better data can help drive better decisions. It can support campaigns, influence policy, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for survivors. But it can’t do that on its own. We also need compassion, investment, and a commitment to putting survivors’ voices at the heart of everything we do.
At Leeway, we’ll keep advocating for those voices to be heard. Because every survivor deserves to be seen, supported and believed - no matter what form the abuse has taken.
