Charities and experts have described official figures showing the number of people killed as a result of domestic violence at a five-year high as “truly horrifying”.

Data from police forces in England and Wales revealed that 173 people were killed in domestic violence-related homicides last year, an increase of 32 on 2017.

Around three-quarters of people killed by a partner, ex-partner or family member were women, and suspects were predominantly male.

The statistics, based on freedom of information data obtained by the BBC, found there were 165 domestic killings in 2014, 160 in 2015, 139 in 2016 and 141 in 2017.

Sandra Horley, the chief executive of the Refuge charity, said the findings were “truly horrifying”.

“Domestic violence is a national travesty and the biggest issue facing women and girls worldwide,” she said. “Now more than ever, violence against women and girls must be taken seriously. But change will not happen without pressure, and we know that women and girls depend on us to keep pushing for action.

“To put it simply, without the necessary action to address violence against women and girls, these appalling statistics are unlikely to be reduced.”

Prof Elizabeth Yardley, a criminologist at Birmingham City University, said domestic homicide did not come of the blue: “Perpetrators don’t ‘lose it’ and victims don’t ‘provoke’ it.

“A perpetrator’s desire for control is what drives domestic abuse and homicide. Abusers will gradually strip away a victim’s sense of identity and personhood so that they become dependent on the perpetrator and isolated from sources of support. The perpetrator will cause them to lose their friends, family and employment. This makes them easier to control and removes any critical voices.”

Boris Johnson pledged on Thursday to reintroduce domestic abuse legislation in the next Queen’s speech. “Domestic abuse shatters lives and tears families apart,” he tweeted. “We are fully committed to tackling this horrific crime – which is why the Queen’s speech will confirm we will be reintroducing domestic abuse legislation in the next session.”

Horley said she hoped the government stuck to its commitment and ensured the bill was given priority.



Sir James Munby, the former president of the family division of the high court of England and Wales, has called for the domestic abuse bill to be brought back before parliament at the start of its next session.

“This is a vitally important bill, tackling what everyone agrees is a very great social evil,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “It is immensely depressing nothing effective has been done to get this necessary reform through parliament.”



Once reintroduced, “it must then be pursued to the earliest possible conclusion of the parliamentary process with determination, vigour and a real sense of urgent commitment on the part of government.



“What the prime minister does or not will be a vital litmus test of his real commitment to safeguarding those in our society who are vulnerable, disadvantaged and oppressed.”



The bill, introduced in July, would place a new legal duty on councils to provide secure homes for people fleeing violence and their children. It would also introduce the first legal government definition of domestic abuse, which would include economic abuse and controlling and manipulative non-physical behaviour.

Karla McLaren, of Amnesty International, said bringing back the bill would be a huge relief to many, but the announcement should result in “meaningful change for all survivors”.

“So far the existing bill has neglected to meet the specific needs of migrant women who find it hard to access life-saving services such as refuges and are often too scared to report abuse for fear they’ll be referred to the Home Office and detained or deported,” she said.

Theresa May was criticised earlier this month over her decision to honour the cricketer Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who was was convicted in France in 1998 of beating up his then girlfriend in a Riviera hotel.



Campaigners said it sent a dangerous message that domestic abuse was not taken seriously as a crime, but Boycott said he “couldn’t give a toss” about the criticism.

• In the UK, the domestic violence helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732. In the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org