Partner – Family Law
Beecham Peacock Solicitors
Google Search Data Highlights The UK Areas Searching For The Domestic Abuse Hotline Most Often
TW: Please be aware that this article discusses domestic violence and violence against women and girls (VAWG). If you are affected by these issues, you can find free and confidential support and assistance via the organisations listed at the base of this article.
On July 24th 2025, the ONS released new statistics revealing the continued growth of the “combined measure of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking” in England and Wales – referring to how commonly women and girls were exposed to these crimes in 2024.
Produced on the back of the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade, the report reinforced a disturbing truth: VAWG is a UK epidemic that is only worsening with time.
The report found that 12.8% of women and girls over the age of 16 have been victims of domestic abuse, violence or stalking – that’s almost one in eight. Survivors of such abuse are affected physically, mentally, financially and socially.
But these statistics only take into account reported crimes. A significant amount of VAWG goes unreported, due to fear of retaliation or repeated offences, the belief that a survivor will not be believed – largely due to the stigma and misogyny concerning this issue in the UK – an understandable lack of faith that real change will happen, and more.
In May of this year, the government announced a £20 million boost to expand specialist support services for domestic abuse victims, a long-overdue lifeline for crucial services that have seen increased strain over recent years. The recent Women’s Aid’s 2025 audit indicates just why this intervention is so important, citing increased demand, with 60.1% of referrals to refuge services being rejected due to capacity issues.
Included in this funding boost was £6 million specifically to support allocated helplines, a 20% boost year-on-year. This would help provide 24-hour support for those seeking immediate help regarding VAWG.
Beecham Peacock, a Newcastle-based family law specialist, works to help victims and survivors seek the justice and compensation that they deserve following VAWG incidents and continued abuse.
Inspired by the invaluable work these essential helplines offer – often acting as the first port of call for those who have decided to speak out – Beecham Peacock has decided to investigate the areas in England and Wales that have seen the highest increase in searches for ‘domestic abuse helplines’.
It is essential to highlight the ongoing and widespread nature of VAWG. The hope is that, with enough attention brought to the issue, further funding can be brought to help keep vital services open across the UK.
Methodology
Beecham Peacock used Google Search Data to find the volume of searches for ‘domestic abuse helpline’ and ‘domestic abuse help’ in every county within a region. The total number of people within the country (according to Google’s metrics) was then factored in to find the number of searches per capita.
Charlotte Talbot, specialist family law solicitor from Beecham Peacock, had this to say about the findings:
“Overall, searches on Google for ‘domestic abuse helpline’ and ‘domestic abuse help’ were searched most often in Wales (6.03 per 100k), the East of England (4.74 per 100k) and the East Midlands (4.71 per 100k).
“However, it’s important to remember that plenty of women and girls across the country will be in desperate need of support, but not yet searching for resources online out of fear.
“We confidentially support many clients who practised extreme caution when first attempting to access help, such as using anonymous modes on their web browsers. We know that many people who are experiencing domestic violence do not search for support at all, out of fear that a partner will look through their devices and find their search history,” Talbot continues.
“One of the periods that carries the most risk for women and girls experiencing domestic violence is when they make the decision to leave their abusive partner. This is why domestic abuse services are so important, providing victims and survivors with a safer way out of their situation, as well as continued support and advice.
“But government funding plays a crucial role in supporting these organisations, from traditional forms of outreach – including paying for community workers or leaflet and poster distribution – to providing beds in refuges for both women and their children.
“It’s crucial that we continue to highlight this growing issue and put pressure on the government to take further action today.”
For those who cannot safely access support online, trusted solicitors and refuges can help you find help and support.
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, dial 999. If you need help but are unable to speak to the operator, respond to their questions with non-identifying noises, such as coughing or tapping. When prompted, press 55 – this will transfer your call directly to the police.
We have also compiled a list of charitable organisations below that provide free and confidential support:
- Refuge: Free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline – call 0808 2000 247 or chat online Monday–Friday, 10am–10pm.
- Women’s Aid: Free advice and support, whether it’s you yourself who needs help or you’re concerned about someone else. The Women’s Aid Directory contains the contact details of over 550 local support services.
- Safe Spaces: UK SAYS NO MORE has set up Safe Spaces in banks and pharmacies across the UK. Walk into any participating Safe Space in your local area and ask a member of staff to access the space – you can use the space in any way you see fit. Find your nearest Safe Space.
Childline: If you’re under 18 and concerned about domestic abuse, you can call Childline for free on 0800 1111. Your phone call to Childline will not show up on any phone bills. You can also chat 1-2-1 with a Childline counsellor online.
Read more articles by Beecham Peacock LLP.
About Charlotte Talbot
Charlotte is a Partner in the Family Department at Beecham Peacock LLP. She specialises in all aspects of Family Law. Charlotte qualified from Northumbria University on the LLB Exempting Degree in 2004 and started her training contact with Beecham Peacock in August 2004 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2006. She has been based in the Family Department since qualification and became a member of the Law Society Children Panel Accreditation Scheme in July 2010. She is also a member of the Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme and Resolution. Charlotte has extensive experience in all areas of Family Law.