Website of the UK government

Violence against women: the numbers

Studies done by the British Crime Survey and similar surveys show that:

• nearly one in three women have experienced domestic violence
• nearly one in four women have experienced some form of sexual assault
• 39 per cent of women say that the fear of crime impacts on their quality of life
• nearly one in ten women say they have been stalked
• 40 per cent of victims of serious sexual assault tell nobody

Domestic violence

Domestic violence can include physical abuse, sexual assault and verbal threats.

It can also include more subtle attacks such as:

• constant breaking of trust
• isolation
• psychological games
• harassment

It can affect partners in all types of relationships and can also involve violence between parents and children.

Find out more about domestic violence below.

• Domestic violence

Sexual assault

If you have been the victim of a sexual offence it’s important that you take steps to protect yourself and others from your attacker by reporting the crime to the police.

If you've just been attacked, dial 999. Police and ambulance workers will deal with you confidentially and sympathetically. 

You can also contact your local police force directly and asked to be referred to a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for help. SARCs are specialised locations where people who have been sexually assaulted receive medical treatment, file crime reports, and receive support in dealing with the attack.

• Help and support for female rape victims Opens new window

• Victim Support website Opens new window

• The Survivors Trust Opens new window

• Stop the blame Opens new window

Forced marriage

Each year a small number of women in the UK find themselves being ordered by their families into a marriage they do not want.

If you suspect your family is planning to force you into marriage, contact the Forced Marriages Unit at the Foreign Office. It specialises in dealing with this issue, and its staff can help.

You can also telephone or email them using the numbers below. Any information you give will be treated in confidence.

Telephone: 020 7008 0151
Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk

Find out more about forced marriages below.

• Forced Marriage Unit Opens new window

• Forced marriages

Stalking

Stalking happens when one person follows or constantly harasses another, sometimes with threats of violence, sometimes with just constant unwelcome contact.

Contact can be made by telephone, letters, cards, email, or by just constantly showing up at somebody’s door or workplace.

Report it

Anyone who is being stalked should not hesitate to contact the police and report the situation. Stalking is illegal, and you have a right to feel safe in your home and workplace.

Get help

It is a good idea to ask for help from organisations that specialise in offering advice and care to women.

• Network for Surviving Stalking is a registered charity dedicated to support those affected by stalking
• Victim Support helps people cope with the effects of crime
• Women's Aid Federation offers support and advice for women and children who are the victims of stalkers

• Network for Surviving Stalking Opens new window

• Suzy Lamplugh Trust Opens new window

• Victim Support website Opens new window

• Women's aid Opens new window