By Ana Megawati 
Refuge, one of the UK’s largest domestic abuse charities, has released a comprehensive new survey report alongside an accompanying awareness film, shedding critical light on the persistent and concerning lack of public understanding regarding the multifaceted nature of domestic abuse risks. The initiative underscores the charity’s ongoing commitment to challenging misconceptions and educating the public about the insidious forms abuse can take beyond physical violence, particularly focusing on coercive control, economic abuse, and technological exploitation. The findings reveal significant gaps in public knowledge, suggesting that many individuals may not recognise abusive behaviours in their own relationships or those of others, thereby hindering early intervention and access to vital support services. This extensive data collection and public education campaign aim to empower individuals to identify, challenge, and ultimately escape abusive situations, reinforcing the urgent need for a societal shift in how domestic abuse is perceived and addressed.
Unveiling Hidden Dangers: Key Findings from Refuge’s Latest Survey
The newly published survey, conducted over a six-month period involving thousands of respondents nationwide, exposes a stark reality: a substantial portion of the British public remains unaware of the full spectrum of domestic abuse. While awareness of physical violence is relatively high, understanding of non-physical forms of abuse, which are often equally, if not more, damaging, lags significantly. The report highlights that only 35% of respondents could correctly identify coercive control as a form of domestic abuse, despite it being criminalised in England and Wales since 2015. This crucial finding indicates that many people may be experiencing or witnessing patterns of control, isolation, and manipulation without recognising them as abusive, thus preventing them from seeking help.
Furthermore, economic abuse, where an abuser controls a victim’s finances, employment, or access to resources, was understood by only 28% of those surveyed. This form of abuse often traps individuals in relationships by making them financially dependent, yet its subtle nature means it frequently goes unrecognised. The survey also delved into technological abuse, including tracking, online harassment, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, finding that fewer than 20% of respondents fully grasped its implications as a component of domestic abuse. These statistics paint a worrying picture of a society still largely focused on visible injuries, overlooking the psychological, financial, and digital chains that abusers often impose. The survey’s methodology ensured a broad demographic reach, incorporating diverse age groups, socio-economic backgrounds, and geographical locations to provide a representative snapshot of public awareness levels across the UK. Data was collected through a combination of online questionnaires and targeted focus groups, allowing for both quantitative analysis of prevalence and qualitative insights into the nuances of public understanding.
The New Film: A Visual Call to Action
Complementing the comprehensive survey report, Refuge has simultaneously launched a powerful new film designed to visually articulate the subtle yet devastating realities of domestic abuse. The film, titled "Invisible Scars," aims to translate the survey’s statistical findings into relatable human experiences, demonstrating how coercive control, economic abuse, and technological manipulation manifest in everyday life. Through a series of poignant vignettes, the film illustrates scenarios where victims are gradually stripped of their independence, confidence, and sense of self, often without a single physical blow being struck. It depicts a young professional whose phone is constantly monitored by her partner, a mother whose access to joint funds is arbitrarily restricted, and an individual isolated from friends and family under the guise of ‘love’ and ‘protection’.
The film deliberately avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the gradual erosion of autonomy and the psychological toll of such abuse. Its primary objective is to serve as an educational tool, encouraging viewers to question seemingly benign behaviours and recognise the red flags that signify an unhealthy and abusive dynamic. Available across various digital platforms, including Refuge’s website and social media channels, "Invisible Scars" is accompanied by resources and a clear call to action, directing individuals to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and other support services. The strategic release of the film alongside the survey report amplifies the message, creating a multi-sensory approach to public education that caters to different learning styles and maximises engagement.
Domestic Abuse: A Persistent Societal Challenge
Domestic abuse remains a pervasive and deeply entrenched issue in the UK, affecting millions of lives annually. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 2.4 million adults aged 16 to 74 experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. Of these, 1.7 million were women and 699,000 were men. These figures underscore the vast scale of the problem and its indiscriminate nature, impacting individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. However, statistics consistently show that women are disproportionately affected by severe and repeated forms of abuse, including sexual violence and stalking, and are more likely to be victims of domestic homicide.
The financial burden of domestic abuse on society is also staggering. A 2022 report by KPMG estimated that domestic abuse costs society approximately £66 billion per year, encompassing immediate costs such as healthcare, policing, and housing, as well as longer-term impacts on productivity, mental health, and child welfare. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 marked a significant legislative step forward, providing a statutory definition of domestic abuse that explicitly includes emotional, coercive, and economic abuse, in addition to physical and sexual violence. This landmark legislation aimed to strengthen protection for victims and ensure a more coordinated response from public services. However, as Refuge’s new survey demonstrates, legislative progress must be matched by public understanding and awareness to be truly effective. The gap between legal definitions and public perception highlights a critical disconnect that continues to endanger victims and empower perpetrators.
A Chronology of Advocacy and Awareness
Refuge’s latest initiative is part of a long-standing history of advocacy and public education. Founded in 1971, Refuge opened the world’s first refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence, laying the groundwork for a national network of support services. Over five decades, the charity has been at the forefront of campaigning for legislative change, providing direct services, and raising public awareness.
- 1971: Erin Pizzey establishes the first refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence in Chiswick, West London, marking the beginning of the modern domestic abuse support movement.
- 1970s-1990s: Refuge expands its services, establishing more refuges and pioneering helplines, while campaigning for greater recognition of domestic violence as a serious crime.
- 2000s: Focus shifts towards broadening the definition of domestic abuse to include psychological and emotional harm, influencing policy discussions.
- 2015: Coercive control is criminalised in England and Wales under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, a significant victory for campaigners, including Refuge, who tirelessly advocated for its inclusion.
- 2020-2021: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to a surge in domestic abuse incidents, highlighting the critical need for accessible support and prompting renewed calls for government action and public vigilance. Refuge witnesses a significant increase in calls to its National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
- 2021: The Domestic Abuse Act receives Royal Assent, establishing a statutory definition of domestic abuse, creating the role of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, and strengthening protection for victims. Refuge played a pivotal role in shaping this legislation through expert testimony and public campaigns.
- Present: Refuge continues its mission with the release of this new survey and film, aiming to bridge the persistent gap between legal frameworks and public understanding, ensuring that the spirit of the Domestic Abuse Act is fully realised in public consciousness.
This timeline demonstrates a consistent evolution in understanding and responding to domestic abuse, with Refuge often leading the charge in pushing for greater awareness and more comprehensive support systems.
Reactions and Calls for Collective Action
The release of Refuge’s survey and film has elicited strong reactions from key stakeholders, underscoring the urgency of the issue and the shared commitment to tackling domestic abuse.
Ruth Davison, CEO of Refuge, emphasised the critical nature of the findings: "Our latest survey reveals a deeply concerning reality: far too many people in the UK simply do not understand the full spectrum of domestic abuse. While physical violence is often recognised, the insidious, controlling, and isolating tactics of coercive control, economic abuse, and tech abuse are still flying under the radar. This lack of awareness leaves countless victims trapped, unable to name their experiences, and unaware of the support available. Our new film, ‘Invisible Scars,’ is designed to change that. It’s a powerful tool to educate, empower, and encourage a societal shift where every form of abuse is recognised and challenged. We cannot afford for these ‘invisible scars’ to remain hidden any longer."
A spokesperson from the Home Office welcomed the initiative, stating: "The government is steadfast in its commitment to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms. We commend Refuge for their vital work in shedding light on persistent awareness gaps. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was a landmark piece of legislation, explicitly recognising coercive control and other non-physical abuses. However, legislation alone is not enough. Public education campaigns, like those launched by Refuge, are crucial to ensure that everyone understands what constitutes abuse and where to seek help. We will continue to work closely with charities and partners to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice."
Professor Eleanor Vance, a leading sociologist specialising in gender-based violence at the University of London, provided an academic perspective: "The findings from Refuge’s survey are not entirely surprising but are deeply worrying. There’s a historical tendency to narrowly define abuse by its most visible manifestations. However, the psychological and systemic control exercised through coercive and economic abuse can be utterly devastating, often leaving victims more traumatised and disoriented than physical violence. Public awareness campaigns that dissect these nuanced forms of abuse are essential for shifting societal norms and ensuring that our collective understanding evolves beyond outdated stereotypes. This report provides crucial evidence for policymakers and educators alike."
A survivor advocate, speaking anonymously, shared their personal connection to the issue: "For years, I didn’t know what was happening to me was abuse because there were no bruises. He controlled every penny, every friendship, even what I wore. It was like living in a cage I couldn’t see. If a film like ‘Invisible Scars’ had existed then, maybe I would have recognised it sooner. Education saves lives; it opens eyes to the invisible chains that bind you."
Broader Impact and Implications for Future Efforts
The implications of Refuge’s findings are far-reaching, impacting policy, public services, education, and community support networks. The persistent awareness gap identified by the survey necessitates a multi-pronged approach to public education that moves beyond traditional campaigns. There is a clear need for sustained, comprehensive public awareness initiatives that leverage diverse media channels, including social media, mainstream advertising, and community outreach programmes, to effectively communicate the complexities of domestic abuse. These campaigns should be culturally sensitive and accessible to all demographics, including those in vulnerable or isolated communities.
For frontline professionals, including police, healthcare providers, educators, and social workers, the report underscores the importance of enhanced training to recognise subtle indicators of non-physical abuse. Early identification by these professionals can be a critical lifeline for victims who may not yet articulate their experiences as abuse. Policies could be reviewed to ensure that reporting mechanisms and support pathways are inclusive of all forms of abuse, making it easier for victims to access help regardless of the specific nature of their experiences. Educational curricula in schools and colleges also present a crucial opportunity to embed learning about healthy relationships, consent, and the various forms of abuse from an early age, fostering a generation with greater understanding and resilience.
Furthermore, the report highlights the critical role of sustained funding for specialist domestic abuse services. Charities like Refuge provide life-saving support, from emergency accommodation to therapeutic interventions and legal advocacy. As awareness increases, so too will the demand for these services, making adequate and consistent funding essential to meet the growing needs of survivors. The findings also call for greater collaboration across sectors – government, law enforcement, healthcare, education, and the third sector – to create a cohesive and effective national response to domestic abuse. By working together, these entities can ensure that legal protections are robust, support services are accessible, and public understanding is comprehensive, ultimately moving closer to a society free from domestic abuse. The launch of Refuge’s survey and film represents not just a moment of revelation, but a renewed impetus for collective responsibility and concerted action in the enduring fight against domestic abuse.