The number of women killing themselves due to domestic abuse is much higher than official figures show. Experts call this a “national scandal.” In 2024, the Domestic Homicide Project reported 98 suspected suicides after domestic abuse, compared to 80 partner homicides. But a study in Kent found that 33% of suspected suicides were linked to domestic abuse. If this reflects the UK overall, up to 900 women could be dying yearly from abuse-linked suicide — ten times the official count. Tim Woodhouse, lead researcher, said, “We need some sort of national taskforce to get a grip on this.” He called it “bonkers that we are basing national estimates on one researcher’s evidence.” He added, “It is, in terms of numbers, a national scandal.” The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) data is a start but misses many cases due to strict rules. Only one manslaughter conviction exists where a woman died by suicide after domestic abuse. Lawyers say many deaths are wrongly labeled suicide without full investigation. Campaigners want all suspected domestic abuse suicides treated as possible homicides to collect better evidence and protect victims. The Guardian highlighted cases like Georgia Barter, whose abuse-related suicide was ruled unlawful killing, but no charges were made. Another case involved Katie Madden, whose partner admitted hurting her and telling her to kill herself, yet no investigation followed. Many police forces often fail to act or protect victims even when abuse is known. Kate Ellis from the Centre for Women’s Justice said, “Too often we see police forces failing to take any criminal action... These errors can have fatal consequences.” Organizations like Southall Black Sisters have fought for decades to recognize abuse-related suicide as homicide, noting extra barriers faced by minority women. The only manslaughter conviction was in 2017, when Nicholas Allen was jailed after his ex-partner took her life. Families and campaigners demand urgent change. Georgia Barter’s mother asked, “When did this country stop respecting or protecting women and girls?” Frank Mullane from Advocacy after Fatal Domestic Abuse called for a new law to help secure justice and improve prosecutions in these cases.