Domestic violence : findings from a new British Crime Survey self-completion questionnaire

Includes bibliographical references.

This report presents the findings of a new computerised self-completion component on domestic violence, included as part of the 1996 British Crime Survey. The questionnaire was designed to maximise victims’ willingness to report domestic assaults and threats to the survey. It therefore provides the most reliable findings to date on the extent of domestic violence in England and Wales, and shows it to be prevalent. Although the Home Office takes the lead on domestic violence matters, it is an important issue for a number of government departments. An interdepartmental group on domestic violence has been convened to develop policy in this area. A statistics subgroup are considering how more comprehensive and consistent information can be collected on domestic violence to improve understanding of the relevant issues, and to allow evaluation of preventive measures. This report is an important contribution to this process.