Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse does not always involve physical violence. Sometimes victims may not recognise that they are experiencing abuse. We understand that emotional and financial abuse can be just as harmful as physical violence.
Even when someone has reported abuse to the police, there may be complex reasons why they find it difficult to proceed with a prosecution. These may include feelings of love, shame or guilt, fear of the legal process, isolation, or concerns about language barriers. We recognise these challenges and work to support victims throughout the process.
As the principal prosecution service for England and Wales, our objective is to secure justice in every possible domestic abuse case. We are committed to ensuring that all victims, regardless of their background or circumstances, receive justice and that offenders are held accountable.
The Crown Prosecution Service recognises the challenges that victims may face when going through the criminal justice process. We are committed to improving outcomes for victims and their families.
Domestic abuse represents a substantial proportion of our workload, consistently accounting for over a third of all crime received by the CPS. In the first quarter of 2024-25, domestic abuse cases made up 14.5% of our post-charge caseload.
This offending occurs amongst people of all backgrounds and ages. Domestic abuse disproportionately affects women and girls. However, a significant minority of victims are men.
What is Domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive behaviour in any relationship that is used by one partner or family member to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner or family member and is defined within the Domestic Abuse Act of 2021.
Support for victims of Domestic Abuse
The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
CPS Guide for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault
CPS Guide for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault
Victims’ Code
Where to get help
The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge (England)
Helpline 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is for victims in England experiencing any kind of domestic abuse and concerned friends, family and colleagues looking to support someone who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
The Live Fear Free Helpline run by Welsh Women’s Aid (Wales)
Live chat is available 24 hours.
Victims and their families can access support through our direct email service: [email protected]
They can provide support you in Welsh, English and any other languages using Language Line.
- Text phone users can contact them via Relay UK on 18001 0808 80 10 800.
- They can also contact the Live Fear Free Helpline by text 24/7 on 07860 077333.
- BSL Users can also use the SignLive app: Type in ‘Live Fear Live Free’.
Men's Advice Line
The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm 0808 801 0327
This service provides a Freephone confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. The service gives men the chance to talk about what is happening to them and provides them with emotional support and practical advice. The advice line also has information about specialist services that can provide advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.
Southall Black Sisters (SBS)
Helpline 020 8571 0800 (open weekdays 10am - 4pm) or [email protected]
Southall Black Sisters (SBS) is a ‘by and for’ Black, minoritised, and migrant women’s organisation addressing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). SBS provides community-based services including helpline advice services, advocacy, counselling, and peer support group work. SBS provides holistic support, combining crisis intervention services with long-term advocacy and campaigning. By integrating frontline experiences into policy advocacy, SBS challenges structural inequalities and harmful cultural practices that perpetuate VAWG. SBS’ services meet the complex needs of Black, minoritised, and migrant women, addressing domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and transnational marriage abandonment, often intertwined with immigration, homelessness, and mental health challenges.
BAWSO Women's Aid (Wales)
0800 731 8147 www.bawso.org.uk [email protected]
This is an all Wales, voluntary organisation. It provides a specialist service to Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women and children made homeless through a threat of domestic abuse or fleeing domestic abuse in Wales. They have purpose-built refuges across Wales. They also provide emotional and practical support for BME women living in social housing. The service is accessible 24 hrs a day.
You can find further support on the CPS Domestic Abuse prosecution guidance – Annex E
Policy, reports and publications
- The CPS Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy
- CPS Annual Violence Against Women and Girls report
- Public statement on support for male victims
- Toolkit for Prosecutors on Violence Against Women and Girls Cases Involving Vulnerable Victims
- NPCC/CPS Protocol on the handling of so-called ‘Honour-Based’ Violence/Abuse and Forced Marriage
- Protocol on the appropriate handling of stalking offences between the Crown Prosecution Service & ACPO (now NPCC)
CPS/NPCC Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan
Domestic abuse (DA) is a priority for policing and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
We recognise the devastating and long-term impact that this pervasive behaviour can have on victims and their families and children, often affecting every aspect of their lives.
This is why we have committed to work together to drive improvements in our response to domestic abuse by developing a national Domestic Abuse Joint Justice Plan (DA JJP).