Record of 8,587 Domestic Abuse Victims in Dorset in 2025, Police Data Shows
Dorset Police has released detailed figures showing that 8,587 instances of domestic abuse victims were reported across the county in 2025, reflecting the continuing scale of intimate partner and family-related violence within the region.
The statistics, published under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, break down the number of victims recorded by the force between 1 January and 31 December 2025, including analysis by gender, age, ethnicity and police division.
Victim Profile — Gender and Local Areas
According to the data:
6,024 victims were female, 2,302 were male, and 261 were recorded as unknown gender. ([Dorset Police][1])
The highest volumes of reported victims were in Bournemouth North (1,406), Weymouth & Portland (1,038) and Poole North (899). ([Dorset Police][1])
Smaller numbers of victims were documented in rural areas such as Bridport (313) and Dorset County Marine (1).
Ethnicity Breakdown
The force also published figures on victims’ ethnicity, showing dynamics across communities:
4,433 victims identified as White, while 1,364 were listed as unknown and 256 recorded under other ethnic categories. ([Dorset Police][1])
Smaller counts were recorded for victims identifying as Black (62), Asian (64), Mixed (75) or Other ethnic backgrounds (26).
Age Groups Affected
Domestic abuse victims spanned all age brackets during 2025:
While the statistics include bracketed figures from young children to those aged 90+, victims aged 20–39 comprised a significant portion of reports.
This range reflects a broad social impact, with abuse affecting people across generations.
Police and Community Context
The data released by Dorset Police comes amid wider national conversation about domestic abuse reporting and support services. In recent years, police forces across England and Wales have noted consistently high levels of domestic abuse reporting, prompting emphasis on victim support, safeguarding, and tailored policing initiatives.
Domestic abuse encompasses a range of offences — including physical violence, coercive control, emotional abuse and financial coercion — and can profoundly affect victims’ safety, wellbeing and long-term health.
Looking Ahead
Although the statistics detail the number of recorded victims, they do not on their own indicate outcomes such as arrests or prosecutions. Campaigners and police advocates say that measuring the impact of reporting, including charging rates and victim support follow-through, remains key to evaluating progress in tackling domestic abuse.
Support services such as local charities and national helplines continue to encourage anyone affected to come forward and access help.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 | www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Rape Crisis (England & Wales): 0808 802 9999 | www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline (UK): 0800 5999 247
