Prevalence

Although we have all seen and heard statistics about domestic violence, the actual prevalence and incidence are difficult to ascertain. As you can imagine, the research presents many challenges. Results will vary depending on the populations studied, the definition of and criteria for domestic violence, and the research methods used.

• Different populations are studied, for instance: All women, cohabiting women, women in shelters.
• Different time periods are studied, for instance: A year, a relationship, a lifetime.
• Different research methods are used, for instance: Surveys, in depth interviews.
• Different definitions or criteria for violence are used.

Given all the difficulties, what do we think we know??

• Between 21% and 34% of all women will be physically assaulted by an intimate male during adulthood. (Straus & Gelles, 1990)
• More than 3% of women in a national survey of couples were severely assaulted in the prior year (close to 2 million women). (ibid)
• 14% of ever-married women in a random sample were raped by a husband or ex-husband at least once. (Russell,1982)
• Rates are higher (more than double) for those under 30 years old than for those 31-50. (Gelles,1997).
• Rates are higher for those of lower income. (Gelles,1997).
• Violence is most severe immediately after a break up. (Gelles,1997).
• While national studies are of heterosexual couples only, evidence suggests the rates are similar for homosexual couples. (Stahly & Lie, 1995)

What does this mean??

• The chances for a woman or homosexual man of being physically assaulted by an intimate partner over a lifetime are about one in four.
• Serious physical abuse is less prevalent, but still not rare, perhaps one in ten women.
• Emotional, economic, or social abuse is not measured independently.
• People under thirty and poor people are at greater risk.
• Anyone having just left, or leaving, a relationship is at greater risk.