In Torbay
Domestic abuse accounts for 22% of all crimes in Torbay.
24% of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) related crimes are for stalking and harassment.
72% of victims reporting to the police over the past 3 years have been female (2018-21)
84% of domestic abuse offenders were male (2020/21)
63 Victims of domestic abuse were placed in homelessness temporary accommodation (2023/24)
Estimated only 33% of people experiencing DVA in Torbay are known to services.
Working with vulnerable women - Torbay Health Partnerships
Safer Torbay Serious Violence Strategy 2024/29 - Torbay Council
42% of women who died by suicide in Torbay (2018-2022) were noted to have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, or childhood abuse in their lifetime.
Torbay has one of the highest child poverty rates in the South West, and has areas of significant deprivation. Housing is an issue, seasonal and unreliable employment, and a high rate of children with additional needs all mean that leaving an abusive relationship is complex and sometimes impossible.
There is a correlation between deprivation, disability and domestic abuse. But that doesn’t mean that people who are wealthy, middle class, educated and privileged in all sorts of ways won’t be victims of abuse. Unhealthy power dynamics appear everywhere and anywhere.
Tackling these awful statistics takes action on multiple fronts. From access to mental health services to reducing the isolation many people feel, to educating our young people about healthy relationships and modelling them well, we all have a part to play.