Victims of Violent Crime by Gender | Trend Chart (2025)

Society views males as more aggressive and violent than females. Violent crime statistics establish that this stereotype rings true. Males are more likely to perpetrate violent crimes.

Surprisingly, both males and females who murder an intimate partner tend to target women. Overall, 35% of female homicide victims had an intimate relationship with their killers, including two-thirds of women killed by other women.

Understanding victims of violent crime by gender is crucial for grasping crime trends in society. The following data reveal how gender impacts victimization, focusing on how many women are killed by men each year and what percentage of domestic violence victims are female.

Understanding Victims of Violent Crime by Gender

Comparing male vs. female violent crime statistics from 2015 to 2025, the U.S. saw significant fluctuations in violent crime victimization for both males and females. The early years recorded lower counts, with males at 182,000 and females at 165,000 in 2015. By 2023, there was a peak with 580,000 male and 532,000 female victims, illustrating the evolving landscape of violent crime and the necessity for ongoing analysis and intervention.

In 2024, men were more often victims of aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide, while women were far more likely to be victims of rape. Overall, men faced higher rates of violent crime, but women experienced more severe gender-specific risks.

How Many Women Are Killed by Men Each Year?

A pressing issue within the analysis of victims of violent crime by gender is the alarming rate at which men fatally target women. Domestic violence is a major concern, with most victims being female.

According to a query on the FBI’s Supplementary Homicide Reports database, 3,165 women were murdered by men in 2020, the most recent year reported. This statistic highlights the need for better protection and support for women. Acknowledging this helps create targeted measures to protect those most at risk and address the challenges women face in violent situations.

What Percentage of Violent Crime is Committed by Males?

Approximately 69% of violent crimes were committed by males in 2023, according to FBI crime data. This statistic highlights the significant gender disparity in violent crime perpetration, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and preventive measures to address and reduce male violence.

Legal Rights of Crime Victims

All crime victims, regardless of gender, have the same legal rights. Within the criminal justice system, states often give all victims the right to speak at the perpetrator’s sentencing hearing. Judges can also order the perpetrator to pay restitution to the victim for property damage or other financial losses.

Within the civil system, male and female victims of domestic violence can seek restraining orders, also called orders of protection, against their abusers. A violation of these orders constitutes a criminal offense.

The victim can also pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the perpetrator. For example, victims of domestic abuse may be able to bring claims for corporal injury to a spouse. If the victim died due to the perpetrator’s actions, their family or estate can pursue a wrongful death claim against the perpetrator.

While liability insurers typically do not cover intentional acts like battery or murder, a skilled lawyer can often find ways to obtain an enforceable damage award or personal injury settlement.

Contact ConsumerShield for Help

The disparity in victims of violent crime by gender should concern everyone. Overall, fewer women are victimized by violent criminals than men. However, they are more likely to suffer injury or death at the hands of a man than a woman.

ConsumerShield can help when you face any legal matter. Contact us for a free case evaluation and a referral to a lawyer to represent you.