Tackling Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence in the United States:

Creating strategies that promote social change and protection for victims

Key Speakers

Overview

Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in the United States, with recent data showing alarming rates of abuse. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 23.04 people per minute experience intimate partner violence, equating to about 10 million victims annually. The severity of this violence is evident, with 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) experiencing rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

The impact of domestic violence extends beyond immediate physical harm. It often leads to severe consequences, including rape, stalking, homicide, child abuse, economic hardship, and deteriorating physical and mental health. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime. Alarmingly, more than 55% of murdered women are killed in relation to intimate partner violence.

Recent data from 2022 shows an increase in violent victimization rates, rising to 23.5 per 1,000 people from 16.5 per 1,000 in 2020-2021. The prevalence varies by state, with Oklahoma reporting the highest rates: 49.1% of women and 40.7% of men experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.

The federal government has taken steps to address this issue. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), reauthorized in 2022, expands access to safety and support for survivors, increases prevention efforts, and establishes new federal protections against online harassment and abuse. The Biden-Harris Administration has also announced over $690 million in FY 2024 grant funding to support survivors of gender-based violence.

Despite these efforts, gaps remain. Over 70% of U.S. workplaces lack formal programs or policies addressing workplace violence. To combat this issue effectively, the CDC recommends teaching safe relationship skills, engaging influential adults and peers, creating protective environments, strengthening economic support for families, and supporting survivors through victim-centered services.

On a global scale, the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, aims to raise awareness and promote action to end violence against women and girls, with the 2024 theme focusing on femicide prevention.

This webinar will cover the current landscape of domestic violence in the United States, including recent statistics, state-specific data, and funding challenges. It will also discuss legislative efforts such as the VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2022 and its impact on survivor support and prevention. Additionally, the webinar will explore gaps in services, particularly for underserved communities, and propose strategies for improving access to resources and strengthening current programs to help victims feel safe and protected.

Program

Who Should Attend?