Exploring global domestic violence: What percentage of domestic violence victims are female? Unveiling statistics and misconceptions about gender impact.
The Prevalence of Female Victims
The perception that domestic violence primarily affects women is not unfounded. According to the NIBRS Victims 2016 report, 71% of domestic violence victims are female, which highlights the gender disparity in such incidents.
Domestic violence statistics consistently show that a significant percentage of victims are indeed female. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that approximately 1 in 3 women in the United States has experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that globally, about 35% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime. These numbers underscore the alarming prevalence of domestic violence against women.
Percentage of Women Affected by Various Forms of Intimate Partner Violence Over Their Lifetime
To get a clearer picture of domestic violence, it is essential to examine the available statistics. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, domestic violence encompasses physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. These behaviors can have severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for victims.
Determining what percent of domestic abuse victims are female does not end the story. Domestic violence affects people of all genders. Men can also be victims of domestic violence, and their experiences are no less valid. The NISVS found that approximately one in four men in the United States has experienced physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetimes.
Victims’ Legal Rights
Once you understand what percentage of domestic violence victims are female, you can look at how that statistic affects victims’ legal rights. While personal injury cases usually focus on accident victims, women and men injured by domestic partners also have the right to pursue injury claims.
Instead of relying on negligence, these claims rely on civil battery and assault. Battery happens when someone intentionally makes harmful or offensive contact with the victim. Assault occurs when someone intentionally causes the victim to fear an imminent battery.
Thus, victims can use lawsuits to obtain personal injury settlements from their abusers. These suits ensure they do not pay out of pocket for the medical care they need, including costly surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health treatment.
A Society-Wide Problem
Domestic violence statistics make it clear that a significant percentage of victims are female. However, in calculating the percentage of domestic abuse victims that are female, you also find that a significant number are male. It is crucial to remember that domestic violence is not exclusive to one gender, and men can also experience its devastating effects.
ConsumerShield is dedicated to educating all injured victims. Contact us for a free case review to learn about your rights and options after you suffer domestic violence. To learn more about domestic violence statistics and research, you can visit the source provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Sarah Edwards
Contributor
Sarah Edwards is a seasoned legal writer with more than a decade of experience.
