Domestic Abuse-Linked Suicides Outpace Homicides for Second Year in UK

Police adopt new investigative policies as suicides among abuse victims highlight systemic failures and chronic underfunding of support services.

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.