A SHARP rise in the number of suicides following domestic abuse was unveiled in new police stats today.

The annual Crime Survey for England and Wales showed 1,452 deaths were linked to domestic abuse over a five-year period, and 150 suicides in the year to March 2025.

This is an increase of 85 deaths from the previous year, most of which are suspected suicides following domestic abuse.

Welsh Women’s Aid (WWA), the national charity in Wales working to end violence against women and girls, said that survivors are more likely to experience poor mental health, with depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder being particularly prevalent.

The charity said one in eight women attempt to take their lives as a result of experiencing domestic abuse.

A WWA spokeswoman said: “For too long, victims who feel the only escape is to take their own lives have been the forgotten story of the consequences of domestic abuse.

“Now, with changes in the way that this data is collected, we are hearing the devastating consequences of domestic abuse.”

The domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales said the findings showed the system was still not working to save lives.

“It is inexcusable that more is not being done to ensure victims get the support and protection they need before it’s too late,” Dame Nicole Jacobs said.

Frank Mullane, from support service Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse, said: “We need a new law which separates suicide from domestic abuse, from manslaughter.”

In the past five years, there have been 17 cases where domestic abuse charges have been brought after a victim took their own life, three of which investigated possible manslaughter.

There are expected to be seven more posthumous cases, and the number of these investigations is expected to rise.

Police believe the rise in the number of deaths linked to domestic abuse is due to increased recording of such cases.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said: “Every life lost to domestic abuse is a devastating tragedy, and my thoughts are with families and loved ones left grieving.

“I welcome this important report, which reinforces the need for tougher action to stop perpetrators causing harm.”