Only 3% of suicides linked to domestic abuse result in prosecution, data shows
Only 3% of suicides linked to domestic abuse in England and Wales between 2020 and 2025 resulted in prosecution, despite evidence of abuse. Experts highlight inconsistent police investigations and a lack of accountability for perpetrators who drive victims to suicide. The domestic abuse commissioner warns that without intervention, abusers are likely to continue their behavior in future relationships.
- ▪Between 2020 and 2025, 553 people died by suicide after suspected domestic abuse, but only 17 posthumous charges were brought.
- ▪In 2025, someone in an abusive relationship was more likely to die by suicide than be killed by their abuser in England and Wales.
- ▪Lee Milne became the first person in Britain convicted of culpable homicide for driving his estranged wife to suicide, though the case was prosecuted in Scotland.
- ▪No manslaughter prosecution in England and Wales for suicide linked to domestic abuse has resulted in a guilty verdict by jury.
- ▪The domestic abuse commissioner described a 'postcode lottery' in justice outcomes, with families often unable to get police attention despite providing credible evidence.
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Someone in an abusive relationship is more likely to take their own life than be killed by their abuser, figures show. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireView image in fullscreenSomeone in an abusive relationship is more likely to take their own life than be killed by their abuser, figures show. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireDomestic abuse suicideOnly 3% of suicides linked to domestic abuse result in prosecution, data showsFigures for England and Wales prompt calls for more rigorous police investigations of casesGeraldine McKelvie and Hannah Al-OthmanSat 2 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 2 May 2026 07.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleOnly 3% of suicides related to domestic abuse in England and Wales in the past five years have resulted in any sort of prosecution,…
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