Police estimate nearly one in five girls aged 16-19 have experienced domestic abuse
Mar 12th 2026
National Police Chiefs’ Council leads told a House of Lords committee that abuse is rising fastest among teenagers, with police estimating 18% of girls aged 16-19 have been affected; they urged clearer legal coverage for under-16s, better responses to online abuse, and fewer barriers for migrant victims.
- Police estimate 18% of girls aged 16-19 have been victims of domestic abuse.
- Police say teenagers are the fastest growing group of domestic abuse victims.
- The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 does not currently capture under-16s in relationship abuse.
- Police leaders warn the act’s definition struggles to cover abuse that begins or happens online.
- Refuge support data shows 73% of young victims it helped experienced psychological abuse and 60% reported coercive control.
- Campaigners say insecure immigration status and recent Home Office policy changes create barriers for migrant victims seeking help.