There has been an 18% rise in reports of abuse in English care homes over the past three years, according to figures collected by Legal Expert.
There has been an 18% rise in reports of abuse in English care homes over the past three years, with 90,232 in 2023 soaring to 106,772 last year.
Figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) by Legal Expert, found that 292,356 reports of abuse were made in care homes across England between 2023 and 2025.
Various forms of abuse were reported to the CQC, and by far the most common of those proved to be ‘neglect or acts of omission’ – 52,868 incidents were reported during the timeframe, amounting to an astonishing 18.08% of all reports over the three years.
Reports of physical abuse were also significant, making up 16,264 accounts, or 5.56% of all reports in the past three years. Meanwhile, reports of emotional abuse totalled 10,935, representing 3.74% of the three-year total.
Less numerous, but still giving cause for concern, were reports of financial abuse, of which 2,690 were logged (0.92%). Sexual abuse figures were also low by comparison, though still perturbing, as 2,011 reports were made (0.69%).
“The figures paint a troubling picture of abuse on the rise in England’s care homes, which are supposed to provide support and living assistance to some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Patrick Mallon, senior personal injury solicitor at Legal Expert.
“Whether emotional, physical or even financial, the damage caused by abuse can have long-lasting, potentially life-changing impact, so victims should not feel troubled by seeking accountability when a carer lets them down in the worst possible way.”
