Family Violence Statistics

Young women, between the ages of 16-24 in dating relationships experience the highest rate of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Only 1 in 25 victims of dating violence seeks help from parents, teachers, counselors, ministers, rabbis, or police officers.

Only 4 in 10 dating relationships end after the onset of violence and abuse.

An average of 28% of high school and college students experience dating violence at some point.

One of every five high school students is, or has been involved in an abusive relationship.

Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children witness their mothers or female caretakers being abused.

40-60% of men who abuse women also abuse children.

25% of abused women are battered during pregnancy

Domestic violence is the single largest threat of injury to women in the United States, greater than car accidents, muggings, and cancer deaths combined.

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the United States by her husband, boyfriend or live-in partner.

Up to 60% of all married women will experience physical violence by their husbands at some time during their marriage.

30% of all women who are murdered in this country are murdered by their husband, boyfriend, or partner

Medical expenses from domestic violence total at least $3 billion to $5 billion annually. Businesses forfeit another $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and lost productivity.

A battered woman who is not a legal resident, or whose immigration status depends on her partner, is isolated by cultural dynamics which may prevent her from leaving her husband or seeking assistance from the legal system. These factors contribute to the higher incidence of abuse among immigrant women.

Original citations for all statistics have been verified and are on file at JFSA. Most sources are FBI, Bureau of Justice Affairs and other federal and state agencies.