Police in Northern Ireland recorded more than 30,000 domestic abuse incidents and over 18,000 domestic abuse crimes in the year to December 2025. That equals around 16 incidents and 10 crimes per 1,000 people.

Thirty women have been murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020.

Fermanagh & Omagh Women’s Aid provides refuge, outreach, and advocacy to women and children facing these risks. The group receives funding from the Department for Communities through Supporting People and from the Department of Health through the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Domestic abuse involves patterns such as coercive control, stalking, isolation, threats, monitoring, and non-fatal strangulation. These behaviors signal risk of serious harm.

Most men who kill in these cases are adults in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Many hold jobs and live in their communities.

Information on perpetrators exists across agencies including police and health services. That data is not always combined to assess full risk levels.

Targeted programs for perpetrators reduce reoffending among high-risk individuals through multi-agency efforts.

Women face peak risk when leaving abusive relationships. Access to housing, financial support, and stability affects their ability to leave safely.