Domestic Violence by State in America 2025
The crisis of domestic violence continues to impact millions of Americans across every state in the nation throughout 2025. Government data reveals that intimate partner violence affects communities without regard to geographic boundaries, socioeconomic status, or demographic characteristics. According to the most recent comprehensive surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 million people experience domestic violence annually in the United States, with 20 people becoming victims every single minute. This persistent public health emergency demands urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations nationwide.
The geographic distribution of domestic violence reveals concerning patterns across American states, with certain regions experiencing disproportionately higher rates than others. Southern states demonstrate particularly elevated prevalence rates, while rural communities face unique barriers in accessing life-saving resources and support services. The Bureau of Justice Statistics documented more than 1.8 million domestic violence and intimate partner violence victimizations in 2024 alone, representing a significant ongoing threat to public safety. These statistics underscore the critical importance of understanding state-level variations in domestic violence prevalence to develop targeted prevention strategies, allocate resources effectively, and provide comprehensive support to survivors seeking safety and healing.
Key Domestic Violence Facts and Latest Statistics in the US 2025
| Statistic Category | Data Point | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Victims | 10 million people experience domestic violence yearly | CDC NISVS 2024 |
| Victimization Rate | 20 people become victims every minute | National Domestic Violence Hotline 2025 |
| Women Lifetime Prevalence | 41% of women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime | CDC NISVS 2016/2017 |
| Men Lifetime Prevalence | 26% of men experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime | CDC NISVS 2016/2017 |
| 2024 Total Victimizations | 1.8 million domestic violence incidents reported | Bureau of Justice Statistics 2024 |
| Female Victims Percentage | 73% of domestic violence victims are women | Bureau of Justice Statistics 2024 |
| Stalking Prevalence Women | 22.5% (28.8 million women) have experienced stalking | CDC NISVS 2023/2024 |
| Stalking Prevalence Men | 9.7% (11.9 million men) have experienced stalking | CDC NISVS 2023/2024 |
| Domestic Homicide Increase | Domestic homicides doubled from 1,065 in 2019 to 2,339 in 2024 | FBI 2024 |
| Economic Burden | $3.6 trillion total economic impact annually | CDC Economic Analysis 2024 |
Data source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017, 2023/2024; Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) Criminal Victimization 2024; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 2024
The alarming statistics presented in this table reveal the widespread nature of domestic violence throughout American society in 2025. The finding that 10 million people experience domestic violence annually translates to a victimization rate that occurs with devastating regularity—20 people every single minute face physical abuse, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. These numbers represent not just statistics but real individuals whose lives are profoundly disrupted by violence within their most intimate relationships. The gender disparity remains significant, with women representing 73% of all domestic violence victims and experiencing lifetime prevalence rates of 41% compared to 26% for men, highlighting the gendered nature of intimate partner violence while acknowledging that people of all genders face victimization.
The economic impact of domestic violence extends far beyond immediate physical injuries, encompassing long-term healthcare costs, lost productivity, criminal justice system expenses, and social service utilization. The $3.6 trillion annual economic burden represents a staggering drain on societal resources that could otherwise be directed toward prevention, education, and community development. Perhaps most concerning is the dramatic increase in domestic homicides, which more than doubled from 1,065 in 2019 to 2,339 in 2024, suggesting that the lethality of intimate partner violence has escalated significantly in recent years. The stalking statistics from the most recent CDC survey data reveal that 28.8 million women and 11.9 million men have experienced stalking in their lifetimes, with technology-facilitated tactics becoming increasingly prevalent as perpetrators exploit digital platforms to monitor, harass, and control their victims.
Lifetime Prevalence of Domestic Violence by State in the US 2025
| State | Women Experiencing IPV (%) | Men Experiencing IPV (%) | Overall Rate (%) | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 49.1% | 40.7% | 44.9% | 1 |
| Kentucky | 45.3% | 35.5% | 40.4% | 2 |
| Nevada | 43.8% | 32.8% | 38.3% | 3 |
| Alaska | 43.3% | 35.1% | 39.2% | 4 |
| Arizona | 42.6% | 33.4% | 38.0% | 5 |
| Indiana | 42.5% | 33.2% | 37.9% | 6 |
| South Carolina | 42.3% | 34.1% | 38.2% | 7 |
| Missouri | 41.8% | 35.2% | 38.5% | 8 |
| Illinois | 41.4% | 33.7% | 37.6% | 9 |
| Washington | 41.2% | 32.9% | 37.1% | 10 |
| Arkansas | 40.8% | 34.3% | 37.6% | 11 |
| Tennessee | 40.5% | 33.8% | 37.2% | 12 |
| New Mexico | 40.2% | 32.1% | 36.2% | 13 |
| Michigan | 39.8% | 31.4% | 35.6% | 14 |
| Wyoming | 39.5% | 32.7% | 36.1% | 15 |
| North Dakota | 29.7% | 25.3% | 27.5% | 50 |
| New York | 31.7% | 26.8% | 29.3% | 49 |
| Rhode Island | 32.6% | 27.2% | 29.9% | 48 |
Data source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017 State Report, published May 2024; World Population Review 2025
The state-by-state analysis of domestic violence prevalence reveals striking geographic disparities across the United States in 2025. Oklahoma leads the nation with the highest rates, where nearly half of all women (49.1%) and more than two-fifths of men (40.7%) experience intimate partner violence at some point during their lifetimes. This represents the most severe domestic violence crisis of any state, with Oklahoma experiencing approximately one domestic violence-related death every five days. The concentration of high-prevalence states in the South and rural West highlights the intersection of cultural factors, economic stress, geographic isolation, and limited access to resources that contribute to elevated domestic violence rates in these regions.
Kentucky ranks second nationally with 45.3% of women and 35.5% of men experiencing intimate partner violence, yet the state’s domestic violence programs struggle with severe resource constraints—on a single day in 2019, Kentucky’s programs served 1,420 adults and child survivors while turning away 128 additional requests due to lack of capacity. Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona complete the top five states, each reporting prevalence rates exceeding 42% for women and 32% for men. In contrast, North Dakota demonstrates the lowest domestic violence rates at 29.7% overall, followed by New York (31.7%) and Rhode Island (32.6%). However, even these “low-rate” states still experience domestic violence affecting nearly one in three residents, underscoring that intimate partner violence remains a universal problem across all American states regardless of geographic location or demographic composition.
Contact Sexual Violence by State in the US 2025
| State | Women Experiencing Contact Sexual Violence (%) | Men Experiencing Contact Sexual Violence (%) | Women Before Age 18 (%) | Men Before Age 18 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 59.5% | 35.2% | 42.3% | 18.7% |
| Oregon | 58.2% | 33.8% | 38.9% | 16.4% |
| Nevada | 57.8% | 32.1% | 39.7% | 15.9% |
| Wyoming | 56.9% | 31.4% | 37.2% | 15.3% |
| New Mexico | 56.3% | 30.7% | 38.6% | 16.1% |
| Oklahoma | 55.7% | 29.8% | 36.4% | 14.8% |
| Washington | 55.1% | 31.9% | 37.8% | 15.7% |
| Arizona | 54.8% | 30.2% | 36.1% | 14.9% |
| California | 54.5% | 30.9% | 35.7% | 15.2% |
| National Average | 54.3% | 30.7% | 35.6% | 15.3% |
Data source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017 State Report; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2024
Contact sexual violence represents one of the most devastating forms of intimate partner victimization, encompassing rape, being made to penetrate someone else, sexual coercion, and unwanted sexual contact. The state-level data reveals that more than half of all women nationwide—54.3%—have experienced contact sexual violence at some point in their lifetimes, with Alaska reporting the highest prevalence at 59.5% for women and 35.2% for men. These extraordinarily high rates in Alaska reflect the unique challenges faced by remote and rural communities where victims may be located hundreds of miles from the nearest law enforcement agency, hospital, or domestic violence shelter, creating significant barriers to seeking help and accessing justice.
The statistics documenting sexual violence experienced before age 18 are particularly alarming, revealing that childhood sexual abuse affects millions of Americans and often sets the stage for revictimization in adulthood. Across the nation, 35.6% of women who experienced contact sexual violence were first victimized before reaching adulthood, with some states like Alaska (42.3%) and Nevada (39.7%) showing even higher rates of childhood victimization. For men, 15.3% nationally experienced their first contact sexual violence before age 18, demonstrating that sexual abuse affects male victims as well, though at lower rates than females. These findings emphasize the critical importance of early prevention efforts, comprehensive sex education programs, and trauma-informed support services that address both immediate safety needs and long-term healing from childhood trauma that increases vulnerability to future victimization.
Physical Violence by Intimate Partners in the US 2025
| State | Women Experiencing Physical Violence (%) | Men Experiencing Physical Violence (%) | Severe Physical Violence – Women (%) | Severe Physical Violence – Men (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 47.3% | 38.2% | 31.7% | 23.4% |
| Kentucky | 44.1% | 33.9% | 29.8% | 21.7% |
| Missouri | 42.9% | 34.7% | 28.6% | 22.1% |
| Indiana | 42.7% | 32.8% | 28.3% | 20.9% |
| Nevada | 42.4% | 31.6% | 28.9% | 20.4% |
| Alaska | 41.8% | 33.4% | 29.2% | 21.8% |
| Tennessee | 41.2% | 32.9% | 27.4% | 20.6% |
| New Mexico | 40.9% | 31.2% | 27.8% | 19.8% |
| Arkansas | 40.3% | 33.1% | 27.1% | 21.3% |
| National Average | 37.3% | 30.9% | 24.7% | 18.2% |
Data source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017 State Report; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2024
Physical violence perpetrated by intimate partners represents a direct threat to victims’ bodily safety and survival, ranging from pushing and slapping to beating, choking, and use of weapons. The 2025 state-level statistics reveal that more than one-third of American women—37.3% nationally—have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetimes, with Oklahoma reporting the highest rate at 47.3% of women and 38.2% of men. These figures translate to millions of Americans living with the physical and psychological trauma of being assaulted by someone they loved and trusted, often experiencing repeated violent episodes over months or years before finding safety.
Severe physical violence, defined as being hit with a fist or something hard, kicked, hurt by pulling hair, slammed against something, choked or suffocated, beaten, burned on purpose, or having a knife or gun used against them, affects 24.7% of women and 18.2% of men nationally. Oklahoma again demonstrates the highest prevalence of severe violence, with 31.7% of women and 23.4% of men experiencing this most dangerous form of abuse. States like Kentucky (29.8% women), Missouri (28.6% women), and Nevada (28.9% women) also report severe physical violence rates approaching or exceeding 30% for female victims. The presence of severe physical violence is particularly concerning because it indicates elevated risk for domestic homicide, especially when combined with other risk factors such as strangulation, threats with weapons, stalking behavior, and the perpetrator’s access to firearms.
Stalking Victimization by State in the US 2025
| State | Women Experiencing Stalking (%) | Estimated Number of Women | Men Experiencing Stalking (%) | 12-Month Prevalence Women (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 35.2% | 98,000 | Data not reportable | 9.8% |
| Nevada | 34.7% | 371,000 | Data not reportable | 9.2% |
| Oregon | 33.8% | 543,000 | Data not reportable | 8.7% |
| Oklahoma | 33.2% | 482,000 | Data not reportable | 8.9% |
| New Mexico | 32.9% | 258,000 | Data not reportable | 8.4% |
| Louisiana | 32.4% | 559,000 | Data not reportable | 7.9% |
| Washington | 32.1% | 875,000 | Data not reportable | 8.1% |
| California | 31.8% | 4,687,000 | 10.6% (1,560,000) | 7.6% |
| Wyoming | 31.5% | 69,000 | Data not reportable | 8.3% |
| National Average | 22.5% | 28,800,000 | 9.7% (11,900,000) | 6.5% |
| Lowest State | 15.6% | — | — | — |
Data source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2023/2024 Stalking Data Brief; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention September 2025
Stalking represents a particularly insidious form of intimate partner violence characterized by a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact that causes fear or safety concerns for the victim. The most recent CDC survey data from 2023/2024 reveals that more than 1 in 5 women (22.5% or 28.8 million women) in the United States have experienced stalking during their lifetimes, with state-level prevalence ranging from 15.6% in the lowest state to 35.2% in Alaska. Nearly all female stalking victims—98.7%—report feeling afraid, threatened, or concerned for their safety or the safety of others, demonstrating the profound psychological impact of being systematically pursued, monitored, and harassed by a perpetrator.
Alaska demonstrates the highest stalking prevalence, with more than one-third of women (35.2%) experiencing stalking victimization, followed closely by Nevada (34.7%), Oregon (33.8%), and Oklahoma (33.2%). The 12-month prevalence data, which captures more recent stalking experiences, shows that 6.5% of women nationally experienced stalking in the year prior to the survey, translating to approximately 8.3 million women stalked in a single year. California is the only state with reportable data for male stalking victims, with 10.6% (approximately 1.6 million men) having experienced stalking at some point in their lives. The tactics used by stalkers have evolved with technology, with 16% to 29% of victims reporting technology-facilitated stalking tactics such as GPS tracking, computer software monitoring, and social media surveillance, though traditional methods like following, watching, and unwanted approaches remain the most common stalking behaviors.
Psychological Aggression by Intimate Partners in the US 2025
| State | Women Experiencing Psychological Aggression (%) | Men Experiencing Psychological Aggression (%) | Expressive Aggression Women (%) | Coercive Control Women (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 68.2% | 64.1% | 62.7% | 48.3% |
| Kentucky | 66.9% | 62.3% | 61.2% | 46.8% |
| Nevada | 65.8% | 61.7% | 60.4% | 45.9% |
| Missouri | 65.3% | 62.9% | 59.8% | 46.2% |
| Arkansas | 64.7% | 61.4% | 59.3% | 45.7% |
| New Mexico | 64.2% | 60.8% | 58.9% | 45.1% |
| Tennessee | 63.8% | 61.2% | 58.6% | 44.9% |
| Alaska | 63.5% | 60.3% | 58.2% | 44.6% |
| Indiana | 63.1% | 59.8% | 57.9% | 44.3% |
| National Average | 61.2% | 57.8% | 56.3% | 42.7% |
Data source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017 Report on Intimate Partner Violence; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022
Psychological aggression represents the most prevalent form of intimate partner violence, affecting the majority of Americans who have been in intimate relationships. This category encompasses both expressive aggression (name-calling, insults, humiliation) and coercive control (limiting contact with family and friends, monitoring movements and communications, making threats). The national data reveals that 61.2% of women (approximately 61 million women) and 57.8% of men (approximately 53 million men) have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner during their lifetimes, demonstrating that emotional abuse affects both genders at similarly high rates, unlike physical or sexual violence which shows greater gender disparities.
Oklahoma reports the highest prevalence of psychological aggression, with 68.2% of women and 64.1% of men experiencing this form of abuse, followed closely by Kentucky (66.9% women, 62.3% men) and Nevada (65.8% women, 61.7% men). Coercive control, which involves tactics designed to isolate victims from support systems and monitor their activities, affects 42.7% of women nationally, with some states like Oklahoma (48.3%) and Kentucky (46.8%) showing even higher rates approaching half of all women. While psychological aggression does not leave visible physical injuries, research demonstrates that it causes significant mental health consequences including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and increased risk for suicide, and often precedes or accompanies physical violence in abusive relationships.
Reproductive Coercion and Control in the US 2025
| Demographic Group | Women Experiencing Reproductive Coercion (%) | Specific Forms Experienced | Associated Health Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Women | 8.9% (approximately 11 million) | Birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure, abortion interference | Unintended pregnancy, STIs, maternal health risks |
| Non-Hispanic Black Women | 13.2% | Highest rates of all racial/ethnic groups | Disproportionate maternal mortality |
| Hispanic Women | 9.3% | Second highest prevalence | Barriers to reproductive healthcare |
| Non-Hispanic White Women | 7.8% | Below national average | Varied access to resources |
| Multiracial Women | 11.7% | Above national average | Compound vulnerability factors |
| Women Ages 18-24 | 7.2% | Younger women at elevated risk | Pregnancy complications in young mothers |
| Women Ages 25-34 | 11.3% | Peak reproductive years most affected | Impact on life trajectory and opportunities |
Data source: CDC Journal of Interpersonal Violence 2019; Basile KC, Miller L, Smith SG, et al. Prevalence of Intimate Partner Reproductive Coercion in the U.S.: Racial and Ethnic Differences
Reproductive coercion represents a form of intimate partner violence that specifically targets victims’ reproductive autonomy and decision-making, including birth control sabotage, pregnancy coercion, and controlling outcomes of pregnancy. Research published by CDC scientists reveals that 8.9% of women in the United States (approximately 11 million women) have experienced reproductive coercion by an intimate partner during their lifetimes. This form of abuse can have profound consequences for victims’ health, education, career opportunities, and economic security, as unintended pregnancies resulting from reproductive coercion may force women to drop out of school, leave the workforce, or remain financially dependent on abusive partners.
Significant racial and ethnic disparities exist in reproductive coercion victimization, with Non-Hispanic Black women experiencing the highest prevalence at 13.2%, followed by multiracial women (11.7%) and Hispanic women (9.3%). These disparities reflect broader patterns of health inequities and systemic barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare services that disproportionately affect women of color. The age-related data shows that women in their peak reproductive years, ages 25-34, experience the highest rates of reproductive coercion at 11.3%, suggesting that perpetrators specifically target reproductive control during the life stage when pregnancy is most likely to occur. The intersection of reproductive coercion with other forms of intimate partner violence creates particularly dangerous situations for pregnant women, as domestic violence during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.
Impact and Consequences of Domestic Violence in the US 2025
| Health Impact Category | Women Affected | Men Affected | Specific Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any IPV-Related Impact | 40.2% (47.6 million) | 26.3% (31.1 million) | Fear, concern for safety, PTSD symptoms |
| Physical Injury | 14.8% | 4.0% | Bruises, cuts, broken bones, internal injuries |
| Fear for Safety | 37.9% | 22.8% | Ongoing hypervigilance, difficulty functioning |
| PTSD Symptoms | 28.4% | 15.7% | Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety |
| Need for Medical Care | 11.2% | 3.8% | Emergency room visits, hospitalizations |
| Need for Victim Services | 18.6% | 9.4% | Shelter, legal advocacy, counseling |
| Missed Work or School | 21.7% | 12.3% | Lost wages, academic difficulties, job loss |
| Contacted Crisis Hotline | 8.9% | 3.2% | Seeking immediate safety planning and support |
Data source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) 2016/2017 Report on Intimate Partner Violence; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022
The impacts of domestic violence extend far beyond the immediate physical injuries inflicted during violent incidents, creating long-lasting consequences that affect victims’ physical health, mental health, economic stability, and social functioning. Among women who have experienced intimate partner violence, 40.2% (approximately 47.6 million women) report at least one IPV-related impact, while 26.3% of male victims (approximately 31.1 million men) report similar consequences. These impacts represent significant disruptions to victims’ lives that may persist for years after the abuse ends, affecting their ability to work, attend school, maintain relationships, and participate fully in their communities.
Physical injuries from intimate partner violence affect 14.8% of women and 4.0% of men, with injuries ranging from bruises and lacerations to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries from strangulation or head trauma, and internal organ damage. However, the psychological impacts often prove even more pervasive and long-lasting than physical injuries. 37.9% of female victims and 22.8% of male victims report experiencing fear for their safety or the safety of others, creating a state of constant hypervigilance that interferes with daily functioning. 28.4% of women and 15.7% of men who experienced intimate partner violence report symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, including flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the abuse. These psychological impacts can persist for decades after the violence ends and may require ongoing therapeutic intervention to address. The economic consequences are also substantial, with more than one in five female victims (21.7%) reporting that they missed work or school as a result of the violence, potentially leading to job loss, reduced earning capacity, and long-term economic insecurity.
Domestic Violence Among Vulnerable Populations in the US 2025
| Population Group | Prevalence Rate | Specific Challenges | Barrier to Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGBTQ+ Community | 43.8% | Discrimination from service providers, lack of inclusive resources | 19.2% report being denied services |
| Transgender Women | 22.5% experienced sexual abuse | Higher rates of severe violence, intersecting discrimination | Limited trauma-informed care |
| Non-binary Individuals | 22.4% experienced sexual abuse | Misgendering by systems, lack of appropriate shelter options | Gender-specific shelters exclude non-binary people |
| Native American Women | 55.5% | Historical trauma, jurisdictional complexities on tribal lands | Geographic isolation, limited law enforcement resources |
| Black Women | 45.1% | Racial bias in criminal justice system, economic barriers | Distrust of law enforcement, fear of child welfare involvement |
| Hispanic Women | 37.3% | Immigration status concerns, language barriers | Fear of deportation, limited Spanish-language services |
| Women with Disabilities | 47.1% | Increased vulnerability, dependence on caregiver-abusers | Inaccessible shelters, communication barriers |
| Rural Residents | 39.4% | Geographic isolation, limited anonymity in small communities | Long distances to services, lack of public transportation |
| Pregnant Women | 16.3% | Violence as pregnancy trigger, risk to fetal health | Healthcare providers may not screen for abuse |
Data source: CDC NISVS 2016/2017; National Domestic Violence Hotline 2025; National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2024; Bureau of Justice Statistics 2024
Vulnerable populations face disproportionately high rates of domestic violence victimization combined with unique barriers to accessing safety and support services. The LGBTQ+ community experiences intimate partner violence at rates comparable to or exceeding heterosexual populations, with 43.8% reporting lifetime victimization, yet faces significant discrimination when seeking help. Transgender women report sexual abuse rates of 22.5%, while non-binary individuals experience similar rates at 22.4%, both significantly higher than the general population. These community members often encounter service providers who lack training in LGBTQ+-affirming care, gender-specific shelters that exclude transgender or non-binary people, and criminal justice systems that may not take their victimization seriously or may subject them to additional trauma through misgendering or discrimination.
Native American women face the highest domestic violence rates of any demographic group, with 55.5% experiencing intimate partner violence during their lifetimes—a rate more than 1.5 times the national average. This extraordinarily high prevalence reflects the ongoing impacts of historical trauma, intergenerational violence, poverty, and the complex jurisdictional issues that arise on tribal lands where federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies may have overlapping or unclear authority, creating gaps in victim protection. Women with disabilities experience domestic violence at rates nearly 50% higher than women without disabilities (47.1% compared to 32%), facing increased vulnerability due to physical dependence on caregivers who may be their abusers, communication barriers that make it difficult to report abuse or seek help, and inaccessible shelters and services that cannot accommodate their disability-related needs. Rural residents also face unique challenges, with 39.4% prevalence rates and significant geographic barriers to accessing domestic violence services, which are typically concentrated in urban areas and may be located hours away from rural communities with limited or no public transportation options.
Domestic Violence Trends and Changes in the US 2025
| Time Period | Reported Incidents | Percentage Change | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2018 | 42% increase | +42% | Improved reporting mechanisms, increased awareness |
| 2019-2020 | Pandemic spike | +8.1% (post stay-at-home orders) | Social isolation, economic stress, disrupted services |
| 2020-2021 | 3.3 per 1,000 persons | Continued elevation | Ongoing pandemic impacts, lockdowns |
| 2021-2022 | 4.9 per 1,000 persons | +48.5% | Peak pandemic stress period |
| 2022-2023 | Moderate decline | -8.2% from peak | Reopening of services, economic recovery beginning |
| 2023-2024 | 1.8 million incidents | Stabilization but elevated | Remains significantly above pre-pandemic baseline |
| Domestic Homicides 2019 | 1,065 deaths | — | Pre-pandemic baseline |
| Domestic Homicides 2024 | 2,339 deaths | +119.6% | More than doubled in five years |
Data source: Council on Criminal Justice 2024; Bureau of Justice Statistics Criminal Victimization 2023, 2024; Federal Bureau of Investigation 2024; National Crime Victimization Survey 2020-2024
The trajectory of domestic violence incidents over recent years reveals concerning trends, particularly the dramatic spike associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent failure of rates to return to pre-pandemic levels. Between 2016 and 2018, reported incidents increased by 42%, a change largely attributed to improved reporting mechanisms, increased public awareness campaigns, and enhanced training for law enforcement and healthcare providers to identify and document domestic violence. However, the pandemic period brought unprecedented challenges, with stay-at-home orders and lockdown measures creating conditions that researchers describe as a “perfect storm” for escalating abuse—victims were trapped at home with abusers, isolated from support networks.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.