Domestic abuse and coercive control are increasingly recognised as critical contributors to suicide risk in the UK. While domestic homicide statistics receive significant public and media attention, evidence consistently shows that suicide linked to domestic abuse is far more prevalent – yet frequently overlooked, misclassified, or under-reported.
At Reflect Training, our work across domestic abuse awareness training, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice highlights how often psychological abuse and coercive control precede suicide risk.
This article examines the prevalence of domestic abuse and coercive control related suicide in the UK, why these deaths are often missed, and what the data tells us about risk, prevention, and professional responsibility.
Domestic Abuse in the UK: Key Statistics
Domestic abuse affects millions of people across the UK every year and occurs across all demographics.
Key UK data shows that:
- Around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime.
- The majority of abuse is ongoing and repetitive, not a single incident.
- Psychological abuse and coercive control are the most common forms of domestic abuse.
- Many victims experience abuse for years before seeking help if they seek help at all.
Crucially, abuse does not need to involve physical violence to cause profound harm. Patterns of intimidation, surveillance, isolation, threats, and control are now recognised in law as coercive control, yet their impact is still poorly understood in suicide prevention frameworks. These patterns are explored in greater depth in our Domestic Abuse Awareness Training.
Suicide and Domestic Abuse: What the Data Shows
Although precise figures are difficult to establish, research consistently indicates that domestic abuse–related suicides significantly outnumber domestic homicides in the UK each year.
Key findings from reviews and research include:
- Many victims of domestic abuse who die by suicide had prior contact with police, healthcare, or safeguarding services.
- Abuse histories are often not recorded or explored during coronial processes.
- Suicides linked to domestic abuse are frequently categorised solely as mental health deaths, without reference to abuse as a causal factor.
This leads to a systemic underestimation of the true scale of domestic abuse related suicide and limits learning, accountability, and prevention.
Related reading: Contextual Safeguarding in UK.
Coercive Control and Suicide Risk
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour designed to dominate, isolate, and entrap another person. It may include:
- Monitoring movements and communications
- Financial control
- Threats to children, pets, or housing
- Social isolation
- Gaslighting and humiliation
In the UK, coercive control is a criminal offence, recognising that abuse is often psychological rather than physical. Related article: How Coercive Control Impacts Mental Health and Suicide Risk.
Psychological Abuse and Suicidal Ideation
Research shows a strong association between coercive control and suicidal thoughts. Victims frequently report:
- A loss of autonomy and identity
- Persistent fear and hypervigilance
- Entrapment with no perceived escape
- Shame, self-blame, and hopelessness
For many victims, suicide is not about wanting to die but about wanting the abuse to end when all other options feel closed.
Why Domestic Abuse Related Suicide Is Often Missed
Domestic abuse related suicides are routinely under-identified due to structural and systemic factors:
- Abuse histories may not be known or disclosed at the time of death
- Psychological abuse leaves no visible injuries
- Police and health records are often fragmented
- Coroners may lack access to full safeguarding histories
- Abuse may have ended, but its psychological impact continues
As a result, the role of domestic abuse is frequently invisible in official statistics, limiting opportunities for learning and prevention. Related article: Why Psychological Abuse Is Often Missed in Suicide Prevention.
Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs)
The UK has expanded Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews to include suicides, recognising that abuse can be a contributing factor even when no homicide has occurred.
This change is significant because it:
- Acknowledges suicide as a potential outcome of domestic abuse
- Allows patterns of missed intervention to be identified
- Improves learning for police, healthcare, employers, and safeguarding professionals
- Supports earlier, trauma-informed intervention
However, the effectiveness of these reviews depends on professionals recognising coercive control and psychological abuse as serious risk indicators.
Related article: Domestic Abuse Related Suicide vs Domestic Homicide in the UK.
Implications for Professionals and Organisations
Professionals across sectors have a critical role in prevention, including:
- Employers
- Safeguarding leads
- Health and mental health professionals
- Police and criminal justice staff
- Education and training providers
Key lessons include:
- Do not separate mental health from domestic abuse risk
- Treat coercive control as a high-risk indicator, not a secondary concern
- Recognise that suicide risk may increase after separation, not just during active abuse
- Ensure disclosures are recorded, shared, and followed up appropriately
Training and awareness are essential to ensure abuse is identified early and responded to effectively.
Advice for Domestic Abuse Survivors
Take Action to Prevent Domestic Abuse-Related Suicides
Domestic abuse-related suicide is a critical issue, and we all have a role to play in preventing these tragic deaths. By working together through a multi-agency approach, we can identify and support victims, challenge bias and stigma, and ensure the language we use is empowering and person-centred.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. You are not alone, and support is just a call or click away.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: Call 0808 2000 247 (available 24/7) or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk for live chat and resources.
- Women’s Aid: Access information, support, and a secure live chat at www.womensaid.org.uk.
- Men’s Advice Line: Call 0808 801 0327 or visit www.mensadviceline.org.uk for confidential advice and support for male victims.
Taking the first step to seek help can feel overwhelming, but people deserve to live a life free from abuse and coercion. Together, we can make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many suicides are linked to domestic abuse in the UK?
While exact numbers are difficult to confirm due to reporting limitations, research consistently shows that suicides linked to domestic abuse significantly outnumber domestic homicides each year in the UK.
Is coercive control linked to suicide risk?
Yes. Coercive control is strongly associated with suicidal ideation due to sustained psychological harm, isolation, fear, and loss of autonomy.
Why are domestic abuse related suicides under-reported?
Many suicides are recorded without recognising historical abuse, especially when abuse was psychological rather than physical.
Can non-physical abuse increase suicide risk?
Yes. Psychological and coercive abuse can be as damaging as physical violence and is strongly linked to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Where can someone get help in the UK?
Support is available via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, Samaritans, GPs, and local safeguarding services.