Domestic Violence Facts
Because abuse often happens behind closed doors, it is important
to understand the statistics that show just how many people are
affected.
- 1 in 4 women report experiencing domestic violence in their
lifetimes.[1]
- 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths are caused each year as a
result of domestic violence.[2]
- All cultural, religious, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds
are affected by domestic violence.[3]
- Nearly 2.2 million people called local and
national domestic violence hotlines in 2004.[4]
- More than 1.35 million people accessed domestic violence victim
services in 2005.[5]
- The 2009 Allstate Foundation National Poll revealed
- Over 75% of Americans believe the recent economic downturn
further strained domestic violence victims and survivors.
- 67% of Americans believe the poor economy has caused an
increase in domestic violence.[6]
National Impact
Domestic violence can be devastating to families, but
its effect on entire communities runs even deeper.
- Over $5.8 billion each year is spent on health-related costs of
domestic violence.[7]
- Nearly 8 million days of paid work each year is lost due to
domestic violence issues-the equivalent of more than 32,000
full-time jobs.[8]
- 96% of domestic violence victims who are employed experience
problems at work due to abuse.[9]
- 33% of all police time is spent responding to domestic
disturbance calls.[10]
- 57% of cities cite domestic violence against women and children
as the top cause of homelessness.[11]
Domestic Violence & Gender
Domestic violence is an issue that does not
discriminate - it can impact people of all genders, races, incomes
and ages. But, the vast majority of victims of domestic violence
are women.
- Survivors of intimate partner violence are overwhelmingly
female.
- 84% of spouse abuse victims are women.
- 86% of victims of abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend are women.
[12]
- Intimate partner violence against men is overwhelming committed
by male perpetrators.[13]
- Nearly 5.3 million domestic violence incidents occur each year
among women in the U.S. ages 18 and older.[14]
Domestic Violence & Economic Abuse
Physical abuse is the type of domestic violence most
commonly discussed. But, economic abuse, using finances as a
tool of power and control, happens just as frequently.
- 74% of Americans personally know someone who is or has been
abused.[15] However, 75%
Americans also fail to connect domestic violence with economic
abuse.[16]
- Approximately 6 out of 10 Americans strongly agree that the
lack of money and a steady income is often a challenge faced by a
survivor of domestic violence when leaving her/his abuser.[17]