Domestic Violence Stats

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, is physical violence, sexual violence, stalking or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the statistics remain staggering. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2020), 10 million people are physically abused by an intimate partner each year; there have been over 500 gunrelated domestic violence fatalities in 2020; 20,000 calls are placed each day to domestic violence hotlines; and 20 percent of women in the U.S. have been raped. About one in four women and one in 10 men have experienced domestic violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported at least one impact of the violence (such as being concerned for their safety) (CDC, 2020). Over 43 million women and about 38 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime (CDC, 2020). Intimate partner violence coupled with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a perfect public health storm, further impacting the lives of victims around the world. Epidemics and other natural disasters intensify domestic violence for several reasons (Sharma & Borah, 2020):

• Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders contribute to social isolation

• Separates victims from their support networks

• Reduces the time victims have away from their abusers

• Places families in close contact for long periods of time

• Diminishes access to childcare services, food, education

• Increases physical and mental health issues such as depression, risky sexual behavior, and substance abuse

• Layoffs and loss of income place financial stress on families that can lead to violence