Domestic Violence in the United States: 2024 Update
Overview
Domestic violence is a critical issue in the U.S., affecting individuals across demographics. Statistics show that nearly 1 in 2 women and over 2 in 5 men experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point. Domestic violence cuts across social, economic, and cultural boundaries, impacting millions of people each year.
Prevalence
- Every Minute: 32 people are victims of intimate partner violence, amounting to over 16 million victims annually.
- Women: Nearly 47% of women have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
- Men: About 1 in 4 men report experiencing severe physical violence from a partner.
- The CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) and Bureau of Justice Statistics highlight that 85% of domestic violence victims are female.
Fatalities
- Majority Victims: Approximately 75% of domestic violence-related deaths are women, with an estimated four women murdered daily by intimate partners in the U.S. This tragic statistic has increased since 2014, signaling a worsening crisis.
Awareness and Legislative Efforts
- Since VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) was enacted in 1994, it has worked to hold offenders accountable and provide resources to victims.
- October’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month encourages community support for survivors. Yet, domestic violence remains persistent, urging further action to address root causes and ensure comprehensive support.
Community Impact and Legal Protections
- Domestic violence has widespread consequences, including reduced employment and housing stability for victims. Children exposed to violence are at higher risk for behavioral issues, and communities with high abuse rates often see elevated crime rates.
- Protective Orders offer immediate protection by restricting abusers from contacting victims, providing a critical layer of security.
Teen and Young Adult Impact
- High School and College: 9.4% of high school students and 1 in 3 college women report experiencing abuse in relationships, ranging from physical to digital forms of control.
- Stalking: 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men in the U.S. report stalking, most commonly by intimate partners.
Workplace Impact
- Domestic violence affects productivity and safety in the workplace. About 44% of full-time workers have experienced its impact at work, and 96% of employed victims face workplace challenges due to abuse.
Firearms and Violence
- Women in the U.S. are 11 times more likely to be killed with guns compared to women in other high-income countries. The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation raises the homicide risk by 500%.
Sources
- Angelica, M., & Wisniewska, M.J. (2024). Domestic violence statistics 2024. Break The Cycle. Available at: Break The Cycle.
- Goodman, L.J. (2024). Domestic Violence Statistics by State (2024 update). Law Office of Louis J. Goodman. Available at: Louis J. Goodman Law.
- The Hotline (2023, July 4). Domestic Violence Statistics. Available at: The Hotline.