Figures have revealed the number of domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales rose by 6% in the year ending March 2021, according to the ONS.

In a new report collating data on domestic abuse from a range of different organisations, the ONS also reported a 22% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in England.

It found that 7% of women aged 16 to 74 – 1.6 million – suffered domestic abuse in the year ending March 2020.

Of those who had recently experienced harassment, 89% felt “very or fairly unsafe” being out alone at night.

Meghan Elkin, joint head of the ONS Centre for Crime and Justice, said: “Our research finds that the effect of these crimes on women and girls is significant and often long-lasting. It is a problem which is regrettably not going away.”

This is the first analysis of its kind and includes testimonies from victims of abuse.

The report also found women’s experiences intensified during national lockdowns.

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