Domestic Violence Statistics in the United States: What the Data Tells Us

Domestic violence affects millions of Americans every year — yet it remains one of the most underreported crises in the country. Explore accurate, data-driven statistics from the CDC and NCADV to better understand the true scope of this public health crisis.

Domestic violence touches every corner of American life. It crosses racial, economic, and geographic lines. It happens in cities and in rural towns, in wealthy homes and in struggling ones. Yet despite its prevalence, it remains one of the most underreported and misunderstood forms of violent crime.

Understanding the true domestic violence statistics is the first step toward meaningful change. Knowledge empowers communities, informs policy, and — most importantly — helps survivors know they are not alone.

This article presents a clear, data-driven picture of domestic violence in the United States. All statistics are drawn from trusted sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).

How Common Is Domestic Violence in America?

The incidence of domestic violence in the United States is staggering. These are not abstract numbers — each figure represents a real person living in fear, pain, or silence.

Consider the following domestic violence facts from the NCADV and CDC:

On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States — totaling more than 10 million women and men in a single year. (NCADV)
More than 1 in 3 women (nearly 43.5 million) and more than 1 in 6 men (20.7 million) have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes. (CDC)
1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, contact sexual violence, and/or stalking with significant impacts such as injury, PTSD, and use of victim services. (NCADV)
In the United States, an estimated 10 million people experience domestic violence every year. (World Population Review)

These numbers reflect only reported or surveyed cases. Experts widely agree that actual rates are higher, as many survivors never come forward.

To learn more about the full scope of this issue, visit our Facts and Statistics page.

Domestic Violence Percentage: Key Rates at a Glance

DV statistics show that intimate partner violence is not a rare occurrence. It is a persistent, widespread pattern.

Key domestic violence percentages from the CDC and NCADV include the following:

Among women, about 1 in 5 experienced contact sexual violence (19.7%), nearly 1 in 4 experienced physical violence (22.5%), and about 1 in 8 were stalked (12.2%). (CDC)
Just under 15% of women (14.8%) and 4% of men in the US have been injured as a result of intimate partner violence that included rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. (National Domestic Violence Hotline)
According to the CDC, nearly half of all women and men — 48.4% and 48.8% respectively — have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetimes.
According to the NCADV, intimate partner violence now makes up over 20% of all violent crime in the United States.

These figures underscore a critical truth: domestic violence is not an isolated problem. It is a public health crisis.

Statistics Regarding Domestic Violence and Homicide

Among the most alarming statistics regarding domestic violence are those related to homicide. When abuse escalates to its most extreme form, the consequences are irreversible.

In the United States, intimate partners are responsible for nearly 50% of female homicides and 10% of male homicides. Intimate partner violence also contributes to about 6% of suicides.
In 2021, of the estimated 4,970 female victims of murder and non-negligent manslaughter, 34% were killed by an intimate partner.
72% of all murder-suicides involve an intimate partner, and 94% of the victims of these murder-suicides are female.
A study of intimate partner homicides found that 20% of victims were not the intimate partners themselves but family members, friends, neighbors, persons who intervened, law enforcement responders, or bystanders.

These spousal abuse facts reveal how dangerous it can be for a victim to remain in — or attempt to leave — an abusive relationship. Safety planning and professional support are essential.

Demographics of IPV Victims: Who Is Most at Risk?

The demographics of IPV victims show that abuse affects people of every background. However, certain populations face disproportionately higher risk.

Gender

1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
Intimate partner violence is most common among women aged 18 to 24.
Women face a significantly higher risk of being killed by an intimate partner than men do.

Race and Ethnicity

Research consistently shows that women of color face elevated risks:

People who identify as LGBTQ and are also African American are more likely to experience physical intimate partner violence compared to those who do not identify as African American.
Women with disabilities have a 40% greater risk of intimate partner violence, especially severe violence, than women without disabilities.

Income and Socioeconomic Status

Economic vulnerability is strongly tied to domestic abuse rates.

A study by the Legal Services Corporation revealed that the rate of intimate partner violence for women is nearly three times higher among those in the lowest income quartile compared to those in the highest.
88% of recent survivors of domestic violence did not receive any or enough legal help for the substantial problems they faced.

LGBTQ+ Communities

43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime, compared to 35% of heterosexual women.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, domestic violence was eight times as high among bisexual persons and more than twice as high among lesbian or gay persons as it was among straight persons.

These disparities demand targeted outreach and culturally competent support services. Visit our Intimate Partner Violence page to learn more about who is affected and how support is provided.

Domestic Abuse Statistics: The Impact on Physical and Mental Health

The consequences of abuse extend far beyond the moment of violence. Domestic abuse statistics consistently show lasting damage to survivors’ physical and emotional well-being.

Victims are at higher likelihood of heart and cardiovascular problems, digestive and gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, and reproductive and sexual difficulties.
Compared to the general population, domestic abuse victims are more likely to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, general anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse disorders and to experience thoughts of suicide.
About 20% of pregnant people experience violence during their pregnancy, and homicide is the leading cause of death among pregnant people in the United States. (PCADV)

The health burden of domestic violence is enormous, and it extends into the next generation.

The Economic Cost of Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse rates carry a heavy financial toll — not just for survivors, but for the entire country.

Domestic violence costs the U.S. economy over $9.3 billion annually in healthcare, mental health, and productivity losses.
Survivors of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year.
Emergency housing and shelters for domestic violence victims cost an estimated $7.9 billion annually.

These costs are not just economic. Behind each figure is a person whose stability, independence, and future were disrupted by abuse.

Children and Domestic Violence

The impact of domestic violence doesn’t stop with the adults in the home. Children who witness or experience abuse face serious, lasting consequences.

1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence. (NCADV)
If children grow up knowing violence in the home, they are more likely to believe that it is normal — and witnessing violence between parents or guardians is the highest indicator for the cycle to continue into the next generation.
Children of abuse are more likely to underperform in school and struggle with depression, anxiety, and poor emotional regulation.
Almost 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by their partners each year.

Breaking the cycle starts with awareness and early intervention. Learn more about how abuse affects the youngest victims on our page about the effects of domestic violence on children.

Domestic Violence by State: Geographic Disparities

Domestic violence statistics vary significantly across the country, revealing where resources are most urgently needed.

About 49.1% of Oklahoma women and 40.7% of Oklahoma men experience domestic violence in their lifetimes — the highest rate in the United States. Oklahoma ranks third in the U.S. for the number of women killed by men in single-victim, single-offender homicides. (World Population Review)

Kentucky ranks second-highest in domestic violence, with 45.3% of women and 35.5% of men having experienced it. The state is ranked 11th in the U.S. for femicides. (Psychology Today)

Even states with lower rates are far from safe. North Dakota ranks lowest, yet it still shows 29.7% of women and 18.5% of men experiencing domestic violence currently or in the past.

No state is immune. Every community has a role to play in prevention and response.

Underreporting: The Hidden Reality

One of the most important domestic violence facts is how rarely it is reported. Survivors face barriers including fear, financial dependency, shame, distrust of authorities, and cultural pressures.

According to the APA, women are most likely to be in an abusive relationship in their twenties — specifically ages 18 to 34. Many in this age group are economically dependent on their abuser.
On an average day, domestic violence hotlines across the nation receive over 19,000 calls. Yet researchers estimate this represents only a fraction of those experiencing abuse.

Underreporting means that the true domestic abuse rates in America are very likely higher than any published figure suggests.

What You Can Do

Understanding domestic violence statistics is powerful — but it must translate into action.

Whether you are a survivor, a concerned family member, a friend, or a community member, there are meaningful ways to help.

Educate yourself and others. Awareness is the foundation of prevention. Visit our What We Do page to learn how advocacy and services make a difference.
Support survivors directly. Listen without judgment. Believe what you are told. Help connect people to resources.
Donate to organizations fighting domestic violence. Your contribution supports shelters, hotlines, legal aid, and counseling. Consider making a donation today.
Speak out. Challenge the attitudes and norms that allow abuse to continue.

A Note of Compassion

Numbers matter. But behind every statistic is a human life — a person who deserves safety, dignity, and support.

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, you are not alone. Sharing your story, even anonymously, can be a powerful step toward healing — and it helps others feel less alone too.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please visit our Share Anonymous Story page to find support. You are not alone, and help is available.