'Utterly appalling': Women's charity records 33% increase in reports of domestic abuse last year

Women told the charity their partners or ex-partners had subjected them to a 'broad and brutal' pattern of abuse, including assaults with weapons, constant surveillance, relentless putdowns and sexual assault and rape.

Women’s Aid recorded an “utterly appalling” 33% increase in disclosures of domestic abuse last year, but has warned these figures are just the “tip of the iceberg”.

In its annual impact report launched on Wednesday, the charity said demand for its services reached a record high last year, with contacts to its frontline services up 11.5% in 2025.