19/05/2026
According to the Office of National Statistics, based on the Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2025, young people aged between 16 and 24 were significantly more likely to experience domestic abuse than those aged 25 and over. More than 31% of those aged between 16 and 24 experienced domestic abuse (18.2% of 16-19 year olds and 12.9% of 20-24 year olds), with the least prevalence being recorded in people aged 60-74 (5.3%) and those aged 75+ (3.4%).
At Axis, we understand that there are barriers to older people reporting domestic abuse and appreciate that better education, support and awareness may be a factor in higher reporting rates for teenagers - but we cannot look away from concerning trends in the behaviour experienced in relationships between young people.
The Youth Endowment Fund's 2025 "Children, Violence and Vulnerability" research found that 49% of aged 13-17 who were in a relationship the previous year had experienced some form abusive or controlling behaviour by their partner. Around 39% had experienced emotional or physical abuse.
A major theme in the Youth Endowment Fund's report is that controlling behaviour is often normalised amongst teenagers - especially through digital surveillance, such as phone-checking, location monitoring and coercive pressure. It found links between vulnerability and abusive relationships, with domestic abuse rates dramatically higher for teenagers who were already exposed to violence (such as involvement in gangs) or showing signs of exploitation. Other findings highlighted gender differences, with girls being more likely to report coercive and emotionally damaging behaviours, and boys being somewhat more likely to report non-consensual image sharing.
The report's conclusion was that abuse and controlling behaviour within teenage relationships is both widespread and under-recognised - particularly coercive and digitally mediated control. At Axis, we stand with the Youth Endowment Fund's call for stronger relationship education, earlier intervention and more specialist support in schools.
