Reports of Abuse in Care Homes Rise to Over 290,000

More than 290,000 reports of abuse were made in care homes across England between 2023 and 2025, according to new data obtained by Legal Expert.

The figures, secured through a Freedom of Information request to the Care Quality Commission, show a sharp rise in reports over the three-year period. In 2023, there were 90,232 reports, rising to 106,772 in 2025, an increase of 18%.

Reports rise over three years

In total, 292,356 reports were recorded between 2023 and 2025. Legal Expert said the figures were obtained from the Care Quality Commission through a Freedom of Information request.

The release also pointed to several cases reported in recent years.

In Maryport, Cumbria, an 88-year-old woman died in September 2024 after developing sepsis when care home staff failed to ‘properly manage’ an ulcer on her foot.

In Slough, a person was left unfed for four days by an ‘inadequate’ care agency, with carers found to have failed to take timely action on the person’s lack of nutrition.

Meanwhile, in 2025, a Cornwall care home was placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission after concerns were raised about safeguarding, among other issues. The home was found to have ‘failed to report or independently investigate these allegations of abuse’.

Neglect most commonly reported

Various forms of abuse were reported to the Care Quality Commission, with the most common being neglect or acts of omission.

A total of 52,868 such incidents were reported during the timeframe, making up 18.08% of all reports over the three years.

Physical abuse accounted for 16,264 reports, or 5.56% of the total between 2023 and 2025.

Emotional abuse totalled 10,935 reports, representing 3.74% of the three-year total.

There were also 2,690 reports of financial abuse, accounting for 0.92%, while sexual abuse was recorded in 2,011 reports, or 0.69%.

The release notes that reports are not directly equivalent to individual cases, as the Care Quality Commission can receive numerous instances of contact about the same incident.

‘A troubling picture,’ says legal expert

Patrick Mallon, senior personal injury solicitor at Legal Expert, commented: “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.

“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.

“Establishing liability and obtaining justice can be an important step in a person’s journey to regaining trust and rebuilding their life, and it’s only right for us all to expect more from them down in the worst possible way”

“Establishing liability and obtaining justice can be an important step in a person’s journey to regaining trust and rebuilding their life, and it’s only right for us all to expect more from the care system.”