Understanding the Scope of the Crisis

Domestic violence is not an isolated issue affecting a few unfortunate individuals—it is a widespread epidemic that touches every community, crosses all demographic lines, and represents one of the most underreported crimes in the world. The statistics are staggering, but behind every number is a human face, a story, and an opportunity for intervention.

Global Statistics That Demand Action

• 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime
• On average, 24 people per minute are victims of domestic violence in the United States
• 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence annually
• 72% of murder-suicides involve an intimate partner, with 96% of victims being female

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin

While we must continue to provide crisis intervention and support services for victims, our greatest opportunity to end domestic violence lies in prevention. By changing attitudes, educating communities, and creating cultural shifts that no longer tolerate abuse, we can stop violence before it starts.

Research shows that comprehensive prevention programs can:

• Reduce dating violence among teens by up to 60%
• Decrease intimate partner violence in communities by 25-40%
• Improve help-seeking behavior among victims by 50%
• Increase bystander intervention by 75%
• Change community attitudes toward domestic violence significantly