A teenage girl has been identified as the first victim under 18 to die by suicide following domestic abuse, as experts warn that 'toxic influencers' and violent pornography are fueling a worrying rise in abuse among teenagers. The number of domestic abuse victims taking their own lives has surpassed those killed by an intimate partner for the third consecutive year, nearly doubling from 98 to 150 suspected cases in the year to March 2025.
Rising Cases Among Young People
The Domestic Homicide Project report recorded 80 intimate partner killings, while teenagers aged 16 to 19 are now the fastest-growing age group reporting domestic abuse. For the first time, the annual Crime Survey for England and Wales includes a suicide case where both victim and suspect were under 18. Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, national policing lead for domestic abuse, highlighted the role of online content, stating: 'Access to violent pornography normalises violence in relationships, particularly non-fatal strangulation. Toxic influencers promote harmful views about women.'
Political and Expert Concerns
Last month, over 60 Labour MPs wrote to broadcasting regulator Dame Melanie Dawes, expressing 'grave concern' about risks to teenage boys, including far-right radicalisation, violent porn, and misogynist influencers. Tim Woodhouse, a suicide prevention expert, called the rise a 'national scandal' and urged for a coordinated task force. 'Every suicide by a victim of domestic abuse is tragic, but extra pain comes when someone so young dies,' he said.
Campaign for New Legislation
Campaigners are pushing for a new law making suicide following domestic abuse a specific criminal offence, separate from manslaughter, to help juries understand the context. Frank Mullane from Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse said: 'A new law would educate the public and ensure justice.' In the past five years, 17 cases brought charges after a victim's suicide, but no jury in England and Wales has convicted for manslaughter in such cases.
Statistics and Government Response
Over five years, 1,452 deaths linked to domestic abuse were recorded, with 347 in the year to March 2025—an increase of 85 from the previous year. Minister for Safeguarding Jess Phillips stated: 'Every life lost is a tragedy. Our strategy focuses on rooting out causes and cracking down on perpetrators.'
Support and Resources
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) is open 24/7. In emergencies, call 999. For emotional support, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123. PAPYRUS offers suicide prevention for young people at 0800 068 4141.
