The Cost of Domestic Abuse on the UK Economy

Domestic abuse remains one of the most devastating issues facing the UK. Despite increased awareness, laws and protective measures being put in place, the latest statistics are a true reflection of how far we still need to go. 

At eve Domestic Abuse Charity, we see the reality behind these numbers every day and the impact not just on the victim but the family and community around them. Domestic abuse remains widespread throughout the UK, with many cases still unreported, but all of them are deeply devastating. 

In this article, we explore the effect not just on the individual, but the financial toll domestic abuse has on our entire society.

Domestic abuse is the ongoing physical, emotional or sexual harm intentionally inflicted on an individual. Perpetrators of domestic abuse tend to be highly motivated and manipulative, using a variety of behaviours such as coercive control, gaslighting, and emotional blackmail to control others. 

Where domestic violence is often associated with an isolated attack, domestic abuse is an ongoing form of abuse. It commonly begins with love bombing and intense infatuation, which can seem genuine at first before becoming something extremely dangerous. Victims can lose their family, friends, identity, confidence, and, in some cases, their life due to the relentless threats posed by their abuser.

These statistics are from the Office for National Statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2025. This is just a snapshot, but it highlights the impact domestic abuse has on all of us:

• 8 million (7.8% of people aged 16+) experienced domestic abuse between 2024 and 2025
• Emotional abuse was the highest percentage (5%), followed by economic abuse (7%)
• 1% experienced domestic abuse by a partner or former partner
• 7% experienced domestic abuse by a family member
• Approximately 4 million domestic abuse-related incidents were recorded by the police in England and Wales between 2024 and 2025
• 816,493 of these were recorded as domestic abuse-related crimes
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime

These are not just numbers or headlines. These are people. These are the millions of lives shrouded by fear, control or violence.

After 40 years of supporting women affected by domestic abuse, we are certain of one thing: domestic abuse rarely affects just one person. It is the friends, family and community who also feel the consequences. Most significantly, it is the children of victims of domestic abuse who carry heavy trauma, whether the abuse is aimed directly at them or sits within their household.

According to research conducted by the NSPCC and the National Crime Survey, it is estimated that:

• 1 in 5 children in the UK are exposed to domestic abuse at some point in their lives
• Children living in abusive households are at significantly higher risk of long-term mental health challenges and trauma
• The risk of domestic abuse is higher in households with one or more children

When it comes to occupation, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (YE March 2025) showed that full-time students were the largest group to experience domestic abuse. Although there are no definitive reasons, there is likely to be a strong correlation between occupation type and age.

Abuse in the workplace can include:

• Consistent calls, messages or emails, both work-related or personal
• Online harassment of personal and work profiles
• Stalking by colleagues inside and outside the workplace
• Abusing a position of power
• Belittling or gaslighting from another colleague

Ultimately, if staff are underperforming due to safety concerns at home, this will affect a business’s efficiency, profitability and brand reputation. Not to mention the well-being of their colleagues.

Domestic abuse is not just a personal issue. The impact affects those closest to the victim, their social environments, and the wider economy. It also has a significant strain on public services.

According to the Home Office’s report in 2019, the total cost of domestic abuse to society is estimated at £78 billion per year in England and Wales. This includes:

• £14 billion in lost economic output due to absences, reduced productivity or lost employment
• Increasing healthcare costs for mental health services and emergency care, including GP and dentist appointments as well as hospital stays
• Police and judicial costs, covering everything from the initial reports and investigations to protection policies, court cases and prison sentences (if applicable)
• A minimum investment of £516 million is needed per year to fund specialist domestic abuse services across England

While these stats are trackable, many cases go unreported because victims feel unable to step forward. There are also some costs associated with domestic abuse that cannot have a price put upon them. For example, the physical and emotional harm to victims, along with the lifelong trauma and recovery from domestic abuse, is significant.

Being aware of these statistics is just the start. Alone, there is little we can do. Together, we can take positive steps to reduce these numbers dramatically. Business leaders, decision-makers, and professionals can help lead the charge by preparing themselves to act.

Managers, HR specialists, charities, healthcare, education and frontline services are often the first point of contact for someone seeking support. Without the right training, it may be unclear how to respond. That’s where eve can help.

Our experienced team deliver a range of specialist consultancy and training services to support your business, people and community. Through structured workshops, webinars and bespoke training programmes, we empower organisations and individuals to:

• Recognise the signs of domestic abuse
• Respond safely and confidently
• How to start challenging conversations
• Support victims without causing further harm
• Create safer workplaces and a more inclusive culture

With the right training and collective effort, we can move from awareness to meaningful, lasting change for this generation of women and children, and the next.

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