Intimate Partner Violence in the United States: Implications for the Society

• In Event: Understanding and Preventing Gun Violence and Other Forms of Harm

Abstract

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, on average, about 20 people per minute are victimized by an intimate partner in the United States. This statistic translates to more than 10 million women and men each year. In addition, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, intimate partner violence (IPV) accounts for 15% of all violent crimes in the United States. These findings indicate that intimate partner violence or victimization is an epidemic that affects women and men across the United States. Intimate partner violence adversely affects the physical and mental health, as well as the economic well-being of victims, their families, and society. This paper will examine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), often called domestic violence, to find out how race or ethnicity relates to the victimization of a spouse or couple. The author proffers policy recommendations and areas for future research.

Author

• Damian Odunze, Delta State University