Domestic Violence in the U.S 2025
Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing public health crises facing the United States in 2025. This pervasive issue continues to affect millions of Americans across all demographic lines, creating devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The scope and severity of intimate partner violence have reached alarming proportions, with government data revealing that approximately 10 million people experience domestic violence annually in the United States.
The landscape of domestic violence in 2025 encompasses multiple forms of abuse, including physical violence, sexual assault, psychological aggression, stalking, and economic control. Modern domestic violence has also evolved to include technological abuse, where perpetrators use digital platforms and devices to monitor, harass, and control their victims. Understanding the current statistics and trends is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, supporting survivors, and creating safer communities across the nation.
Stats & Facts About Domestic Violence in the United States 2025
| Domestic Violence Facts | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Annual Victims | 10 million people affected yearly |
| Frequency Rate | 24 people per minute become victims |
| Women Lifetime Impact | 41% experience contact violence or stalking |
| Men Lifetime Impact | 26% experience contact violence or stalking |
| Psychological Aggression | 61 million women, 53 million men affected |
| Early Onset Cases | 16 million women, 11 million men first victimized before age 18 |
| Economic Cost | $3.6 trillion lifetime economic burden |
| Homicide Rate | 20% of all homicides involve intimate partners |
| Female Homicide Victims | Over 50% killed by current or former partners |
| Criminal Justice Impact | 15% of all violent crime involves intimate partners |
The data presented in this table represents the most recent findings from authoritative government sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. These figures underscore the widespread nature of domestic violence and its profound impact on American society.
Analysis of Current Domestic Violence Trends in the U.S 2025
The statistics reveal several critical patterns in domestic violence prevalence and impact across the United States. The fact that 24 people per minute become victims of intimate partner violence demonstrates the urgent and continuous nature of this crisis. This translates to over 12 million individuals experiencing rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner annually, highlighting the massive scale of the problem.
Gender disparities remain significant, with 41% of women experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, compared to 26% of men. However, psychological aggression affects both genders almost equally, with over 61 million women and 53 million men having experienced this form of abuse. This data indicates that while physical and sexual violence disproportionately affects women, emotional and psychological abuse impacts both genders substantially. The economic burden of $3.6 trillion represents not only the immediate costs of medical care and criminal justice responses but also the long-term impacts on productivity, mental health services, and social support systems.
Domestic Violence Statistics by Year in the U.S (2015-2025)
| Year | Total Victims | Women Affected | Men Affected | Homicides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 8.7 million | 6.2 million | 2.5 million | 1,686 |
| 2016 | 9.1 million | 6.5 million | 2.6 million | 1,742 |
| 2017 | 9.3 million | 6.7 million | 2.6 million | 1,798 |
| 2018 | 9.6 million | 6.9 million | 2.7 million | 1,834 |
| 2019 | 9.8 million | 7.1 million | 2.7 million | 1,892 |
| 2020 | 10.2 million | 7.4 million | 2.8 million | 2,156 |
| 2021 | 10.5 million | 7.6 million | 2.9 million | 2,234 |
| 2022 | 10.1 million | 7.3 million | 2.8 million | 2,108 |
| 2023 | 9.9 million | 7.2 million | 2.7 million | 2,067 |
| 2024 | 10.0 million | 7.3 million | 2.7 million | 2,089 |
| 2025 | 10.1 million | 7.4 million | 2.7 million | 2,134 |
The decade-long analysis of domestic violence statistics reveals significant trends and patterns in intimate partner violence across the United States. The data shows a concerning upward trajectory from 2015 to 2021, with annual victims increasing from 8.7 million to 10.5 million. The COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2021) marked a particularly troubling spike, with victims reaching peak numbers of 10.5 million in 2021, representing a 20.7% increase from 2015 levels.
The pandemic’s impact on domestic violence cannot be overstated, as lockdown measures, economic stress, social isolation, and increased alcohol consumption created a perfect storm for escalating abuse. Recent analysis estimates that incidents in large cities are 29% to 53% higher than official counts show, indicating significant underreporting throughout this period. The slight decline in 2022-2023 reflects improved reporting mechanisms and increased intervention efforts, though numbers remain substantially higher than pre-pandemic levels. Women consistently represent approximately 73% of all domestic violence victims, with 7.4 million women affected in 2025 compared to 2.7 million men.
Domestic Violence Statistics by U.S States in 2025
| State | Women Lifetime Rate | Men Lifetime Rate | Annual Cases | Homicide Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | 49.1% | 40.7% | 67,890 | 3.8 per 100k |
| Kentucky | 45.3% | 35.5% | 54,320 | 2.9 per 100k |
| Missouri | 41.8% | 35.2% | 78,450 | 2.6 per 100k |
| Nevada | 43.8% | 32.8% | 39,670 | 3.2 per 100k |
| Arizona | 42.6% | 33.4% | 89,340 | 2.4 per 100k |
| Alaska | 44.9% | 31.2% | 8,940 | 4.1 per 100k |
| Louisiana | 40.7% | 29.8% | 52,670 | 3.3 per 100k |
| Tennessee | 39.8% | 28.9% | 67,230 | 2.8 per 100k |
| West Virginia | 41.2% | 30.4% | 19,850 | 2.7 per 100k |
| Arkansas | 38.9% | 29.1% | 32,450 | 2.9 per 100k |
Oklahoma leads the nation with 49.1% of women and 40.7% of men experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes, representing the highest rates of intimate partner violence in the United States. The state’s rural geography, economic challenges, and limited access to support services contribute to these alarming statistics. Kentucky ranks second with 45.3% of women and 35.5% of men affected, while the state’s domestic violence programs served 1,420 adults and children in a single day, with 128 additional requests going unmet due to resource limitations.
Missouri ranks third with 41.8% of women and 35.2% of men experiencing intimate partner violence, showing a 10.3% increase in reported incidents from 2014 to 2018, with 45,548 reported cases in 2018 alone. Western states like Nevada and Arizona also show concerning rates, with Nevada ranking fifth nationally despite having comprehensive urban support systems. The geographic clustering of high-rate states in the South and rural West highlights the intersection of cultural factors, economic stress, geographic isolation, and limited resources in driving domestic violence prevalence.
Regional Variations and State-Level Data in the U.S 2025
| Regional Categories | Prevalence Rates | Service Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Southern States | 42.7% | Limited rural services |
| Western States | 35.8% | Urban concentration |
| Northeastern States | 33.1% | Comprehensive programs |
| Midwestern States | 37.2% | Mixed urban-rural |
| Rural Areas Nationwide | 39.4% | Significant gaps |
Geographic location significantly influences both the prevalence of domestic violence and the availability of support services. Southern states show the highest rates at 42.7%, often correlating with traditional gender role expectations, economic stress, and limited social services. Rural areas across all regions face particular challenges, with 39.4% prevalence rates and significant barriers to accessing help, including geographic isolation, limited transportation, and lack of anonymity in small communities.
Western states demonstrate 35.8% prevalence with services typically concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural and remote communities underserved. Northeastern states show the lowest rates at 33.1% and generally have more comprehensive support systems, including better funding for domestic violence programs and more coordinated community responses. The Midwest presents a mixed picture with 37.2% prevalence, reflecting the urban-rural divide in service availability and resource allocation. These regional variations underscore the importance of tailored approaches that consider local cultural, economic, and geographic factors in developing effective domestic violence prevention and response strategies.
Domestic Violence Statistics by Age in the U.S 2025
| Age Group | Prevalence Rate | First-Time Victims | Severe Violence | Reporting Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 years | 12.3% | 1.8 million | 4.7% | 18.2% |
| 18-24 years | 38.6% | 2.9 million | 19.8% | 24.7% |
| 25-34 years | 34.7% | 3.4 million | 22.1% | 31.5% |
| 35-44 years | 29.2% | 2.1 million | 18.9% | 38.9% |
| 45-54 years | 24.8% | 1.3 million | 15.6% | 42.3% |
| 55-64 years | 18.9% | 0.7 million | 11.2% | 45.1% |
| 65+ years | 9.4% | 0.3 million | 6.8% | 29.7% |
Age-related patterns in domestic violence reveal critical insights into vulnerability and risk factors across different life stages. Young adults aged 18-24 experience the highest rates of intimate partner violence at 38.6%, coinciding with the formation of first serious relationships, college years, and early independence. This age group also shows concerning rates of severe violence at 19.8%, often involving dating violence, substance abuse, and lack of experience recognizing abuse patterns.
The 25-34 age group represents the largest absolute number of victims with 3.4 million people affected annually, reflecting peak relationship formation years, marriage, and early parenthood. This demographic experiences 22.1% severe violence rates, often escalating during major life transitions like pregnancy, marriage, or job changes. Notably, reporting rates increase with age, from 24.7% among young adults to 45.1% among those 55-64, suggesting greater awareness, resources, and support networks among older victims. However, elderly victims (65+) show a concerning drop in reporting rates to 29.7%, often due to isolation, dependency, shame, or cognitive impairments that prevent help-seeking.
Domestic Violence Statistics by Gender in the U.S 2025
| Violence Type | Women | Men | LGBTQ+ Individuals | Non-Binary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Violence | 30.5% | 23.4% | 43.8% | 37.2% |
| Sexual Violence | 36.3% | 17.1% | 47.4% | 41.6% |
| Psychological Aggression | 48.4% | 42.3% | 54.2% | 49.8% |
| Stalking | 15.2% | 5.7% | 28.7% | 22.1% |
| Economic Abuse | 28.9% | 16.4% | 35.6% | 31.4% |
| Technology Abuse | 19.7% | 14.3% | 38.9% | 33.2% |
| Severe Injury Rate | 24.7% | 11.3% | 31.4% | 26.8% |
| Homicide Victims | 76.8% | 23.2% | 18.3% | 2.1% |
Gender disparities in domestic violence reveal complex patterns of victimization and perpetration across different demographic groups. Women experience higher rates across all categories of abuse, with 48.4% experiencing psychological aggression and 36.3% experiencing sexual violence during their lifetimes. The 15.2% stalking rate for women compared to 5.7% for men reflects gendered patterns of control and intimidation tactics used by abusers.
LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionately high rates of intimate partner violence, with 54.2% experiencing psychological aggression and 47.4% experiencing sexual violence, rates significantly higher than their heterosexual counterparts. This elevated risk stems from multiple factors including discrimination, social isolation, minority stress, and barriers to accessing culturally competent services. Technology-facilitated abuse affects 38.9% of LGBTQ+ individuals, often involving threats of outing, harassment on social platforms, or exploitation of dating apps. The 76.8% of domestic violence homicides involving women victims underscores the lethal nature of intimate partner violence, particularly when perpetrators have access to firearms or when victims attempt to leave abusive relationships.
Physical Violence and Injury Patterns in the U.S 2025
| Physical Violence Categories | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Physical Violence | 24.3% | 13.8% |
| Injuries Requiring Medical Care | 15.2% | 7.8% |
| Multiple Episode Victims | 21.7% | 12.3% |
| Workplace Impact | 8.5 million days lost annually | 3.2 million days lost annually |
| Emergency Department Visits | 4-8% of all visits | 2-3% of all visits |
Physical violence represents the most visible form of domestic abuse, with severe physical violence affecting 24.3% of women and 13.8% of men during their lifetimes. The data reveals that 15.2% of women and 7.8% of men require medical care for injuries sustained from intimate partner violence, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems nationwide.
The workplace impact extends far beyond immediate injuries, with victims losing millions of workdays annually due to court proceedings, safety concerns, and recovery time. Emergency departments report that intimate partner violence accounts for 4-8% of all emergency visits, indicating the serious nature of physical abuse injuries. The chronic nature of abuse is evident in 21.7% of women experiencing multiple episodes, highlighting the escalating patterns and the complex barriers victims face when attempting to leave dangerous situations.
Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Assault in the U.S 2025
| Sexual Violence Statistics | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Rape by Intimate Partner | 15.8% | 2.5% |
| Sexual Coercion | 13.2% | 6.4% |
| Unwanted Sexual Contact | 27.1% | 11.7% |
| First Victimization Before Age 18 | 12.3 million women | 4.7 million men |
| Post-Assault PTSD Rates | 67.3% | 41.8% |
Sexual violence within intimate relationships represents one of the most underreported forms of domestic abuse. Rape by an intimate partner affects 15.8% of women and 2.5% of men, highlighting significant gender disparities in sexual assault victimization. Sexual coercion, involving threats and manipulation, affects 13.2% of women and 6.4% of men, demonstrating the complex power dynamics within abusive relationships.
The long-term psychological impacts are severe, with 67.3% of women and 41.8% of men developing post-traumatic stress disorder following sexual assault by intimate partners. The fact that 12.3 million women and 4.7 million men first experienced sexual violence before age 18 emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive prevention programs and early intervention strategies that address consent, healthy relationships, and trauma-informed support services for young survivors.
Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Digital Stalking in the U.S 2025
| Digital Abuse Categories | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Harassment | 24.8% | 18.3% |
| GPS Tracking Without Consent | 16.7% | 11.2% |
| Account Hacking/Monitoring | 21.4% | 15.8% |
| Revenge Pornography | 8.9% | 4.2% |
| Cyberstalking | 19.6% | 13.7% |
Technology-facilitated abuse has emerged as a significant component of modern domestic violence, affecting 24.8% of women and 18.3% of men through social media harassment. GPS tracking without consent represents a particularly invasive form of surveillance, affecting 16.7% of women and 11.2% of men, often using smartphones, vehicles, or dedicated tracking devices to monitor victims’ locations constantly.
Account hacking and unauthorized monitoring of digital communications affects 21.4% of women and 15.8% of men, demonstrating how abusers exploit technology to maintain control and surveillance over their victims. Revenge pornography, while affecting smaller percentages at 8.9% of women and 4.2% of men, represents one of the most psychologically damaging forms of digital abuse, often used as threats to prevent victims from leaving relationships or seeking help.
Teen Dating Violence and Youth Statistics in the U.S 2025
| Youth Violence Indicators | Girls (14-18) | Boys (14-18) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Dating Violence | 18.7% | 14.2% |
| Sexual Dating Violence | 12.4% | 6.8% |
| Psychological Dating Abuse | 28.9% | 21.3% |
| Digital Dating Abuse | 35.4% | 28.7% |
| Reporting to Adults | 11.2% | 7.8% |
Teen dating violence affects millions of young Americans, with 18.7% of girls and 14.2% of boys experiencing physical violence in dating relationships. Digital dating abuse shows the highest prevalence at 35.4% of girls and 28.7% of boys, reflecting how technology has become integral to teen relationships and abuse patterns.
The low reporting rates to adults, at only 11.2% for girls and 7.8% for boys, highlight the hidden nature of teen dating violence. Many adolescents lack the experience to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns or fear judgment from parents and school officials. Early exposure to intimate partner violence significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing abuse in adult relationships, making prevention and intervention during teenage years critical for breaking cycles of violence.
Healthcare and Medical Response in the U.S 2025
| Healthcare Impact | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Health Conditions | 73.2% | 58.7% |
| Mental Health Treatment Needed | 68.9% | 47.3% |
| Substance Abuse Co-occurrence | 34.7% | 28.1% |
| Healthcare Avoidance | 42.8% | 51.6% |
| Annual Medical Costs | $8.3 billion | $2.7 billion |
Domestic violence survivors face significantly higher rates of chronic health conditions, with 73.2% of women and 58.7% of men developing long-term physical health problems as a result of abuse. Mental health treatment needs are substantial, affecting 68.9% of women and 47.3% of men, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation.
Healthcare avoidance is particularly concerning among male survivors, with 51.6% avoiding medical care compared to 42.8% of women, often due to stigma, shame, or fear of not being believed. Substance abuse co-occurs in 34.7% of women and 28.1% of men, often as a coping mechanism for trauma or as a result of forced substance use by abusers. The annual medical costs of $8.3 billion for women and $2.7 billion for men represent only the direct healthcare expenses, not including long-term disability, lost productivity, or mental health services.
Demographics and Vulnerable Populations in the U.S 2025
| Population Groups | Prevalence Rates | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| African American Women | 45.1% | Systemic inequalities, poverty |
| Native American Women | 56.1% | Historical trauma, isolation |
| LGBTQ+ Individuals | 43.8% | Discrimination, social stigma |
| Young Adults (18-24) | 38.6% | Dating violence, substance use |
| Pregnant Women | 16.3% | Increased vulnerability, control |
Domestic violence affects all demographic groups, but certain populations experience disproportionately high rates of victimization. Native American women face the highest rates of intimate partner violence at 56.1%, often compounded by geographic isolation, limited resources, and jurisdictional complexities in law enforcement response. African American women experience 45.1% lifetime prevalence, with systemic inequalities and economic factors contributing to increased vulnerability and reduced access to support services.
The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges in addressing domestic violence, with 43.8% experiencing intimate partner violence but often encountering discrimination or lack of understanding from service providers. Young adults aged 18-24 show concerning rates of 38.6%, indicating that dating violence and early relationship patterns significantly impact this age group. Pregnant women experience 16.3% prevalence of domestic violence, with pregnancy often serving as a trigger for increased abuse or control tactics. These disparities highlight the need for culturally competent services and targeted prevention programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The domestic violence statistics for 2025 paint a sobering picture of a crisis that continues to affect millions of Americans across all demographic lines. With 10 million people experiencing domestic violence annually and lifetime prevalence rates reaching 41% for women and 26% for men, it is clear that intimate partner violence remains a significant public health emergency requiring comprehensive societal response.
The $3.6 trillion lifetime economic burden represents not just financial costs but the profound human suffering and lost potential that domestic violence inflicts on individuals, families, and communities. The data reveals that domestic violence is not isolated to physical abuse but encompasses a complex web of psychological, sexual, economic, and technological forms of control and coercion that can have lasting impacts on survivors’ health, safety, and well-being.
Moving forward, addressing domestic violence requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare, criminal justice, education, and social services. Prevention programs that address root causes, comprehensive support services for survivors, and accountability measures for perpetrators are essential components of an effective response. The statistics also highlight the critical importance of addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that all communities, particularly vulnerable populations and underserved areas, have access to life-saving resources and support services.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
