Domestic Violence Statistics (2025): U.S. Prevalence, Demographics, and Impact
Top 25 U.S. Domestic Violence Statistics (Latest)
| # | Key Statistic (U.S.) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner (lifetime). | The Hotline (NISVS) |
| 2 | 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner (lifetime). | The Hotline (NISVS) |
| 3 | Almost half of adults report partner psychological aggression: 48.4% of women and 48.8% of men (lifetime). | The Hotline (NISVS) |
| 4 | Nearly 1 in 10 women (9.4%) have been raped by an intimate partner (lifetime). | The Hotline (NISVS) |
| 5 | About 1 in 5 women (18.3%) and 1 in 71 men (1.4%) have been raped in their lifetime (all perpetrators). | The Hotline (NISVS) |
| 6 | Intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people each year in the U.S. | The Hotline (NISVS) |
| 7 | Children witnessed violence in nearly 1 in 4 (22%) IPV cases filed in state courts. | The Hotline (BJS cite) |
| 8 | 30–60% of IPV perpetrators also abuse children in the same household. | The Hotline |
| 9 | 9.4% of high school students reported being physically hurt by a dating partner in the past year. | The Hotline (CDC YRBS) |
| 10 | Most victims first experience IPV young: 69% of women and 53% of men had their first IPV before age 25. | The Hotline |
| 11 | About 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men who experienced IPV first encountered it between ages 11–17. | The Hotline |
| 12 | 43% of dating college women report violent or abusive dating behaviors. | The Hotline |
| 13 | 57% of college students say it’s difficult to identify dating abuse. | The Hotline |
| 14 | Victims of digital abuse are 2× as likely to be physically abused and 5× as likely to be sexually coerced. | The Hotline |
| 15 | At work, current or former intimate partners accounted for ~33% of women killed in U.S. workplaces (2003–2008). | The Hotline |
| 16 | As many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of domestic violence. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 17 | Domestic violence contributes to 1,500+ deaths annually in the U.S. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 18 | Estimated national economic burden: $12+ billion per year. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 19 | Annual medical & mental-health care costs tied to acute domestic violence: $8+ billion. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 20 | In emergency care, ~50% of women report a history of abuse; about 40% of those later killed had sought help in the 2 years before death. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 21 | Only about one-third of police-identified DV victims are recognized in the emergency department. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 22 | 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men have experienced stalking; intimate partners stalk ~6 in 10 female victims and ~4 in 10 male victims. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 23 | At least 5 million acts of domestic violence occur annually against women 18+; over 3 million involve men. | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 24 | Since the 1990s, nonfatal IPV incidence fell by 60%+ (from ~10 to ~4 victimizations per 1,000 people). | NCBI/StatPearls |
| 25 | An estimated 10 million people in the U.S. are affected by domestic or family violence each year. | NCBI/StatPearls |
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the U.S. have suffered severe physical violence from a partner.
Key Takeaways
Domestic violence is widespread. About 4 in 10 U.S. women and 1 in 4 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Women make up ~85% of severe DV victims.
It’s rarely “one-time.” About 23% of women have suffered severe physical assault from a partner. Nearly half of women and men have faced psychological aggression (insults, coercive control, threats).
Teens and LGBTQ+ people face higher risk. About 1 in 10 high schoolers experienced physical or sexual dating violence in the past year. Bisexual women (61%), lesbian women (44%), and bisexual men (37%) report especially high lifetime IPV.
Abuse can be lethal. Over half of U.S. women murdered are killed by a current or former partner.
Most abuse is never reported. Only about 1 in 4 physical assaults and 1 in 5 partner rapes are reported to police. About 20% of injured victims receive medical care.
Pandemic effect. Many communities saw spikes in DV calls during COVID-19 lockdowns, highlighting the need for surge capacity in shelters and hotlines.
More than 50% of women murdered in the U.S. are killed by an intimate partner — highlighting the deadly risk many survivors face when leaving abusive relationships.
Overall Prevalence and What It Means
“Domestic violence” (intimate partner violence, or IPV) includes physical, sexual, stalking, and psychological harm by a current or former partner. The big picture is stark: at least 1 in 3 women and roughly 1 in 10–1 in 4 men experience IPV in their lifetime.
Women bear the brunt of the harm. About 14–15% of women report injuries from partner violence, and nearly 1 in 10 has been raped by a partner. Men also experience abuse and deserve support, but severe, repeated, and injurious violence is more often male-to-female.
Impact: Abuse drives injury, chronic pain, pregnancy risks, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and huge economic costs. Children who witness violence face behavioral challenges and a higher risk of repeating the cycle—another reason early help matters.
Lifetime rape prevalence is starkly unequal: 1 in 5 women (18.3%) have been raped compared to 1 in 71 men (1.4%), underscoring the disproportionate impact on women.
Breakdown by Gender and Relationship Type
In heterosexual relationships, most reported cases involve a male perpetrator and female victim. Still, men can be victims, and stigma often keeps them silent. Services are increasingly inclusive (shelter vouchers, confidential counseling) so all survivors can be safe.
Abuse occurs in dating, cohabiting, and married relationships—and leaving is the most dangerous time. Many homicides happen after separation, making safety planning essential.
Domestic violence leads to over 1,500 preventable deaths each year in the United States.
Youth and Teen Dating Violence
Abuse can start early. About 1 in 10 high school students reports physical or sexual dating violence each year, with female and LGBTQ+ students at higher risk.
Red flags include jealous monitoring, humiliation on social media, coercion, and threats. Effects can include depression, anxiety, substance use, and lower grades. School-based healthy-relationship education, confidential counseling, and bystander skills help teens stay safer.
About 1 in 10 high school students reports dating violence annually, with female and LGBTQ+ students at greater risk.
LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence
IPV affects LGBTQ+ people at equal or higher rates than heterosexual peers. Bisexual women (61%) and lesbian women (44%) report very high lifetime IPV, and bisexual men (37%) exceed rates for straight men.
Abusers may weaponize “outing,” isolation, or transphobia. Survivors often face fewer tailored resources and greater stigma. Inclusive hotlines, LGBTQ-competent shelters, and informed law-enforcement responses are critical.
Bisexual women, lesbian women, and bisexual men report significantly higher rates of intimate partner violence compared to heterosexual peers.
Psychological vs. Physical Abuse
Not all abuse leaves bruises. Psychological aggression—insults, gaslighting, threats, coercive control, isolation, and surveillance—affects nearly half of U.S. women and men. It’s a strong predictor of PTSD and often precedes physical violence.
Physical violence remains common: roughly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men report severe physical IPV in their lifetime. Remember: emotional abuse is real abuse, and help is warranted even without visible injuries.
Almost half of adults—48.4% of women and 48.8% of men—report experiencing psychological aggression from a partner.
Reporting Rates and Help-Seeking
Most incidents never reach authorities. Only about 20–25% are reported to police, and only ~20% of injured victims seek medical care. Survivors often fear retaliation, worry police won’t help, or feel financial and cultural pressures.
Many turn to friends, family, hotlines, healthcare providers, or faith leaders instead. Expanding confidential options (text/chat hotlines, hospital advocates, telehealth counseling) helps survivors safely get support.
Stalking affects women and men differently, with intimate partners responsible for the majority of cases.
Safety Planning & Next Steps
Document incidents (photos, messages, injuries) and store copies outside the home.
Code words with trusted people to signal danger and a plan for where to go.
Protective orders and lock changes can help; so can changing daily routines.
In Colorado or online, you can start with individual therapy for confidential support and coping strategies: South Denver Therapy — Individual Therapy
For urgent help: 988 (mental health crisis). National DV Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788.
Related Statistics on Our Blog
If you’re digging into the numbers, these companion posts are great next reads:
Anxiety Statistics (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/anxiety-statistics-2025
Statistics Related to Mental Health Disorders (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/statistics-related-to-mental-health-disorders-2025
Sex, Intimacy & Connection (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/sex-intimacy-and-connection-2025
Relationship Statistics: Insights for Couples: https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/relationship-statistics-insight-for-couples
How Couples Meet: Where Most Couples Find Love (2025): https://www.southdenvertherapy.com/blog/how-couples-meet-where-most-couples-find-love-2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What counts as domestic violence?
Abuse by a current or former partner, including physical, sexual, stalking, and psychological harm.
How common is it?
About 4 in 10 women and 1 in 4 men report lifetime contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by a partner.
Is emotional abuse “real” abuse?
Yes. Psychological aggression (gaslighting, threats, coercive control) affects nearly half of adults and can be as damaging as physical harm.
Who is at highest risk?
Women, young people, and LGBTQ+ survivors—especially bisexual women (61%)—face elevated risk.
Why don’t survivors “just leave”?
Leaving can be life-threatening. Survivors also face retaliation, financial dependence, stigma, and child-care or immigration concerns.
What should a friend do?
Believe them, avoid blaming, listen, offer practical help (rides, safe storage, childcare), and share hotline options. Don’t pressure; safety planning must be survivor-led.
Are men victims too?
Yes. Men experience IPV, and many avoid reporting due to stigma. Services increasingly support male survivors.
Did DV increase during COVID-19?
Many areas saw rises in police calls and hotline contacts, likely due to lockdowns, stress, and isolation.
What legal options exist?
Protective orders, custody protections, and victim advocacy are available; laws vary by state.
Where can I get confidential help now?
1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or 988 for crisis support. In Colorado: South Denver Therapy — Individual Therapy for private counseling and safety planning.
