Overview

• A total of 98 suicides linked to domestic abuse were recorded in the UK between April 2023 and March 2024, surpassing intimate partner homicides for the second consecutive year.
• The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reports that over 1,000 domestic abuse-related deaths, including suicides and homicides, have occurred since 2020.
• In 90% of suspected suicides following domestic abuse, perpetrators had prior contact with police or other agencies, underscoring systemic failures in prevention and accountability.
• Police are implementing a new 'unexpected deaths policy' to investigate whether domestic abuse contributed to suicides or other deaths, with potential manslaughter charges for perpetrators.
• Advocacy groups emphasize the urgent need for sustained funding of domestic abuse services, which are currently underfunded and leaving victims without critical support.