Domestic Violence Statistics in the United States by Race

Domestic violence (DV), also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), affects millions of Americans, crossing all racial and ethnic lines but hitting some communities harder than others. In the United States, over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

These numbers, drawn from the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, underscore a pervasive issue that transcends demographics but reveals stark disparities by race.

As of 2025, reporting remains low—only 2.5% to 15% of victims seek help—exacerbating the hidden toll on families and society. This blog examines domestic violence statistics in the United States by race, using the latest available data to highlight prevalence, risk factors, and the urgent need for targeted support.

Overall Scope of Domestic Violence in the US

Before diving into racial breakdowns, consider the national picture: Approximately 10 million adults experience DV annually, with physical violence, sexual assault, stalking, or psychological abuse affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men over their lifetimes. Economic costs exceed $8.3 billion yearly, including medical care and lost productivity. Underreporting is rampant—only 34% of physical assaults and 30% of rapes are reported to police—due to fear, shame, or systemic barriers. These figures, from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and CDC, set the stage for racial disparities, where cultural, socioeconomic, and historical factors amplify vulnerability.

Domestic Violence by Race: Key Statistics

Racial and ethnic groups experience DV at varying rates, influenced by factors like poverty, discrimination, and access to resources. Below are the most recent prevalence rates for lifetime IPV (physical violence, rape, or stalking by an intimate partner), primarily from the CDC’s 2016–2020 data (the latest comprehensive national survey as of 2025), supplemented by 2023–2025 reports from organizations like the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) and Verywell Mind.

Black or African American

Black individuals face the highest rates of DV, with systemic racism and economic inequality playing significant roles.

• Women: More than 4 in 10 (40%) Black women experience physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, 35% higher than White women.
• Men: 38.6% of Black men report IPV, with 40% experiencing some form overall.
• Additional Insights: Black women are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by a partner than White women, per IWPR 2025 data. In 2023, 45% of DV homicides involved Black victims.

Hispanic or Latino

Hispanic communities report elevated rates, often linked to immigration stress and cultural stigma around reporting.

• Women: 39% experience physical violence or stalking by a partner.
• Men: 8.6% lifetime rate for severe physical violence.
• Additional Insights: Latinas face a 1.5 times higher risk of lethal DV than non-Hispanic Whites, with language barriers hindering help-seeking. 2025 CDC updates show a 10% rise in reported cases among immigrant Hispanics.

White (Non-Hispanic)

While lower than some groups, DV remains prevalent among White Americans, who make up the majority of reported cases due to higher access to services.

• Women: 1 in 3 (33%) experience IPV.
• Men: 28% lifetime rate.
• Additional Insights: White women report at higher rates (50% of cases), but underreporting in other groups skews perceptions. 2023 data indicates 7.8% severe physical violence rate.

Asian or Pacific Islander

This group reports the lowest rates, but underreporting is extreme due to cultural norms emphasizing family harmony.

• Women: 4.2% severe physical violence rate; lifetime IPV around 15–20%.
• Men: Limited data, but estimated at 10–15%.
• Additional Insights: Asian women are 1.5 times more likely to experience sexual violence. A 2025 IWPR report notes a 20% underreporting rate, with immigrant status compounding risks.

American Indian or Alaska Native

Native communities endure the highest per capita rates, tied to historical trauma, poverty, and jurisdictional gaps on reservations.

• Women: 45% lifetime IPV rate, with 56% experiencing physical violence.
• Men: 45.3% report IPV.
• Additional Insights: Native women are 2.2 times more likely to be raped by a partner. 2023 BJS data shows 8.2% severe physical violence rate, with 2025 trends indicating no decline.

Multiracial or Other

Multiracial individuals often face compounded risks from intersecting identities.

• Women: 39% lifetime physical violence rate.
• Men: 39.3% IPV experiences.
• Additional Insights: Limited specific data, but 2025 CDC surveys show higher stalking rates (up to 25%) due to diverse stressors.

These disparities highlight how race intersects with poverty (e.g., 40% higher DV in low-income households) and access to services, per 2025 CDC updates.

Why These Disparities Matter

Racial differences in DV aren’t just numbers—they reflect systemic inequities. Black and Native women face 2–3 times higher homicide risks from partners, often due to limited shelter access in underserved areas. Underreporting skews data: Only 34% of Black women and 20% of Latinas report abuse, versus 50% of White women, per Verywell Mind 2023 analysis. The economic toll—$8.3 billion annually—disproportionately burdens minority communities, where 70% of victims are people of color. Addressing this requires culturally sensitive interventions, as 2025 IWPR reports emphasize.

Underreporting and Data Gaps

DV statistics are estimates, as only 2.5–15% of incidents are reported. Barriers include fear of retaliation (60% of victims), cultural stigma (especially in Asian and Hispanic communities), and distrust in law enforcement (40% among Black victims). 2025 NCVRW resources from OVC note improved tracking via NIBRS, but gaps persist in rural and immigrant populations.

Practical Tips for Support and Prevention

• For Victims: Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or text “START” to 88788 for 24/7 help. Seek culturally tailored services via RAINN.org.
• For Allies: Listen without judgment; report suspected abuse anonymously via local hotlines.
• Prevention: Advocate for funding in minority communities; support programs like IWPR’s equity initiatives.
• Data Access: Use CDC’s NISVS or BJS for updated stats; follow 2025 NCVRW for awareness.

Things to Avoid

Don’t minimize disparities as “cultural”—they’re systemic. Avoid victim-blaming language; focus on support. Don’t rely on outdated data—use 2023–2025 sources for accuracy. Steer clear of assuming all races experience DV equally; tailored approaches save lives.

Tailoring to Communities

In Black communities: Address economic stressors via job programs. For Hispanics: Offer bilingual services. Native groups: Tackle jurisdictional issues on reservations. Asian populations: Combat stigma through education. Customize based on cultural needs for effective intervention.

Read What Is the Difference Between Violence and Abuse?

Key Takeaways

Domestic violence statistics in the United States by race reveal stark disparities: Black women (40% lifetime IPV) and Native women (45%) face the highest rates, followed by Hispanics (39%), Whites (33%), multiracial (39%), and Asians (15–20%). These figures, from CDC and IWPR 2025 data, highlight systemic inequities, with underreporting masking the true toll. Over 10 million affected annually, costing $8.3 billion, demands targeted support. By accessing hotlines, advocating for equity, and challenging stigma, we can break the cycle. DV doesn’t discriminate, but our responses must—what’s your step toward change?