urgent call to address domestic violence in the UK

Domestic violence remains a critical issue in England and Wales, with an estimated 2.1 million individuals experiencing abuse in the year ending March 2023. Women are disproportionately affected, with over 1.4 million women suffering from domestic abuse compared to 751,000 men. Alarmingly, less than 24% of these incidents are reported to the police, highlighting a significant gap in awareness and support for victims. The statistics reveal that on average, one woman is killed by an abusive partner every five days, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. The Brick by Brick campaign, launched by The Independent in partnership with Refuge, aims to raise £300,000 to create a safe haven for women escaping abusive relationships. This initiative is crucial as one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. The campaign seeks to address the alarming rates of domestic violence, particularly in regions like Yorkshire and The Humber, which reported the highest rates of abuse-related crimes. In addition to physical violence, coercive control is a prevalent form of abuse, with 43,774 offences recorded in the same year. This type of abuse involves a pattern of intimidation and control, which can severely impact the victim's mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, economic abuse affects nearly 9 million individuals, yet only 16% recognize their experiences as abusive, indicating a lack of understanding about the various forms of domestic violence. The helpline for domestic abuse survivors has seen a significant increase in contacts, with 171,490 calls made in the year ending March 2023. Of these, 75% were from survivors seeking support. This highlights the pressing need for resources and safe spaces for victims, as well as the importance of raising awareness about the different forms of domestic abuse to encourage reporting and support.