Why Domestic Abuse Remains a North East Concern

Domestic abuse continues to affect thousands of families across Newcastle and the wider North East, with police, charities and the courts working to tackle offences ranging from physical violence to coercive and controlling behaviour. While many cases never reach the criminal justice system, the latest official figures show the issue remains one of the region's most significant safeguarding challenges.

Campaigners say greater awareness has encouraged more victims to come forward over recent years, although experts believe many incidents still go unreported because of fear, financial dependence or concerns about retaliation. Across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham, specialist services continue to encourage victims to seek help as early as possible.

Domestic abuse remains widespread across England and Wales.

The Office for National Statistics estimates that around 3.8 million adults, representing 7.8 percent of people aged 16 and over, experienced domestic abuse during the year ending March 2025. Since the age of 16, approximately 12.5 million adults, or just over one in four people, have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lives.

Police across England and Wales recorded more than 1.35 million domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes during the same period, highlighting the continued scale of the problem. However, the ONS stresses that police figures do not represent the true level of abuse because many victims never report offences.

Although the latest national figures show recorded domestic abuse crimes have fallen slightly, experts say this largely reflects changes to crime recording practices rather than a dramatic reduction in offending.

What the picture looks like in Newcastle and the North East.

Northumbria Police, which covers Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland, continues to investigate thousands of domestic abuse incidents every year. Domestic abuse consistently represents one of the force's highest demand areas, alongside violent crime and safeguarding vulnerable people.

Like other police forces across England and Wales, Northumbria Police works alongside local authorities, domestic abuse charities and health organisations to protect victims and identify repeat offenders. Specialist officers assess risk, safeguard children and vulnerable adults, and apply for protective court orders where necessary.

Although exact local figures vary each year, professionals believe reported incidents only represent part of the overall picture because many victims delay reporting abuse for months or even years.

Domestic abuse is far more than physical violence.

Modern domestic abuse legislation recognises many different forms of abuse, including emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, financial control, stalking, harassment and coercive or controlling behaviour.

Coercive control has become one of the most recognised offences in recent years. It can include monitoring someone's movements, controlling finances, isolating victims from friends or family, threatening behaviour or repeated intimidation designed to remove a person's independence.

Many victims experience several forms of abuse simultaneously rather than isolated incidents.

How victims can report domestic abuse.

Anyone in immediate danger should always call 999.

Where speaking openly is impossible, victims can use the Silent Solution by calling 999 and pressing 55 when prompted if they cannot safely talk.

Non-emergency incidents can be reported to Northumbria Police by calling 101 or using the force's online reporting service.

Victims can also seek confidential support through organisations including Refuge, Women's Aid, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and local domestic abuse services operating throughout Newcastle and the North East.

Friends, neighbours and relatives who suspect somebody is experiencing abuse are also encouraged to report concerns if they believe someone is at risk.

What punishments can offenders face.

Sentences vary depending on the offence and seriousness of the abuse.

Common assaults may result in community orders, suspended sentences or imprisonment.

More serious offences involving actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, strangulation, stalking, coercive control or repeated violence can attract lengthy prison sentences.

Courts can also impose:

Restraining Orders.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders.
Non-Molestation Orders.
Electronic monitoring where appropriate.
Compensation orders.
Mandatory rehabilitation programmes.

Breaching court orders is itself a criminal offence and may result in further imprisonment.

How domestic abuse cases move through the courts.

Most criminal domestic abuse prosecutions begin after a police investigation before evidence is reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Where prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence and prosecution is in the public interest, cases are heard in either the Magistrates' Court or Crown Court depending on the seriousness of the allegations.

Victims often receive support from Independent Domestic Violence Advisers, commonly known as IDVAs, who help guide them through the court process and access additional support services.

The CPS says referrals from police for charging decisions have continued to increase nationally, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for victims.

Key statistics readers should know.

Several national figures help demonstrate the scale of domestic abuse across England and Wales.

Around 3.8 million adults experienced domestic abuse during the year ending March 2025.
Approximately 12.5 million adults have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16.
Police recorded 1.35 million domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes during the latest reporting year.
More than 816,000 of those reports were recorded as domestic abuse-related crimes.
Police made 44.6 arrests for every 100 domestic abuse-related crimes reported where complete force data was available.
Police referrals to the CPS increased to more than 76,000 cases during the latest reporting year.
Breaking the silence remains essential.

Domestic abuse continues to affect people from every background, age group and community across Newcastle and the wider North East. While awareness has improved, professionals agree that earlier reporting, stronger safeguarding and continued public education remain essential if more victims are to receive protection and offenders are to be brought before the courts.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available and help can be accessed confidentially without facing the situation alone.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available.

Contact the free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline:

0808 2000 247