#TakeAStand Against Domestic Violence

Image of a smiling young couple embracing on a balcony

Intimate partner violence is a serious public health problem that affects millions of Americans.

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship.

  • An intimate partner can be a current or former spouse or a dating partner.
  • It can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.
  • It might happen one time or happen many times over a period of years.
Intimate Partner Violence Is Common

Data from CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) show:

  • About 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported at least one impact of the violence (like being concerned for their safety).
  • Over 43 million women and about 38 million men experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
  • When IPV occurs in adolescence, it is called teen dating violence (TDV). About 11 million women and 5 million men who reported experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime said that they first experienced these forms of violence before the age of 18.
Image of a smiling couple viewing a computer screen while sitting on a couch

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

There are many ways we can prevent intimate partner violence. Learn how with strategies and approaches from CDC. You can also check out National Center Against Domestic Violence’s (NCADV) Take a Stand Toolkit.

Intimate Partner Violence is Preventable

All forms of intimate partner violence are preventable. Strategies to promote healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships are an important part of prevention.

Programs that teach young people healthy relationship skills such as communication, effectively managing feelings, and problem-solving can prevent violence. These skills can stop violence in dating relationships before it occurs.

Need Help? Know Someone Who Does?
Hotlines

National Domestic Violence Hotline

  • Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Love Is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

  • Call 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453.

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline

  • Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
  • Visit rainn.org to chat one-on-one with a trained RAINN support specialist, any time 24/7.
Resource Centers

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) is a comprehensive source of information for on domestic violence.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) provides information, resources, and research on all aspects of sexual violence prevention and intervention.

PreventConnect is a national project of the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault. PreventConnect’s goal is to prevent sexual assault and relationship violence by building a community of practice to develop, implement, and evaluate prevention initiatives.

Page last reviewed: October 20, 2021