For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals and families in the United States. It takes many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. Understanding the scope of the problem is crucial for raising awareness, developing effective prevention strategies, and supporting survivors.
Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life. The statistics below highlight the prevalence of domestic violence:
- According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.
- Approximately 48.4% of women and 48.8% of men have experienced at least one psychologically aggressive behavior by an intimate partner in their lifetime, as per the CDC.
- The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) states that on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States, totaling more than 10 million individuals annually.
Domestic violence has severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for victims. Here are some statistics that illustrate the impact:
- Domestic violence is a leading cause of injury to women, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined, as reported by the NCADV.
- Victims of domestic violence are at a higher risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to experience developmental problems, behavioral issues, and long-term emotional trauma.
The danger of domestic violence extends beyond immediate harm. It can become lethal, as indicated by the following statistics:
- The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%, according to the NCADV.
- Approximately 55% of female homicide victims in the United States are killed by an intimate partner, according to the Violence Policy Center.
- Abusers who strangle their victims are significantly more likely to escalate to lethality. Strangulation is a particularly dangerous form of abuse, increasing the risk of homicide by seven times.
One of the reasons domestic violence remains a pervasive issue is the numerous barriers victims face when seeking help. Some statistics on reporting and seeking assistance include:
- Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries, according to the CDC.
- Many survivors do not report domestic violence to the police due to fear of retaliation, shame, or mistrust in the criminal justice system.
- Immigrant victims often face additional challenges, such as fear of deportation, when seeking help.
Domestic violence is a widespread problem in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families every year. By understanding the prevalence and impact of domestic violence, we can work toward creating a safer and more compassionate society.
To stay updated on the latest statistics and resources related to domestic violence, please visit reliable sources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/learn-more.
If you are suffering because of domestic violence, let Family Service Agency help. Our empathetic and caring counselors are here for you if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other issues. We work with individuals, couples, and families through online and in-person visits. Call our intake line at 602-726-4328.
