Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Statistics

Sexual violence and domestic violence can have lasting effects on survivors, families, and communities. While every survivor’s experience is different, national research and North Carolina reporting continue to demonstrate the serious and widespread impact of violence.

National Statistics

• More than 1 in 5 women and 1 in 31 men in the United States have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.
  Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/about/index.html

• Nearly half of women and more than 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence during their lifetime.
  Source: CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)
  https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/index.html

• Sexual violence is most often committed by someone known to the victim, including intimate partners, acquaintances, family members, or trusted individuals.
  Source: CDC NISVS Sexual Violence Data Brief
  https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/media/pdfs/sexualviolence-brief.pdf

• Sexual assault remains one of the most underreported violent crimes in the United States. Survivors may choose not to report due to fear, trauma, shame, concern about retaliation, or because the offender is someone they know.
  Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
  https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/criminal-victimization-2024

• Survivors of sexual violence are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance misuse, suicidal ideation, and long-term physical health concerns.
  Source: CDC Sexual Violence Risk and Protective Factors
  https://www.cdc.gov/sexual-violence/risk-factors/index.html

• Childhood sexual abuse is associated with increased long-term mental health and physical health risks into adulthood.
  Source: CDC Child Sexual Abuse Overview
  https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html

North Carolina Statistics

• North Carolina reported 155 domestic violence-related homicide victims in 2024, representing a 14.8% increase from 2023.
  Source: North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Report on Domestic Violence Related Homicides for Calendar Year 2024.

• Of the 155 domestic violence-related homicide victims reported in North Carolina in 2024, 94 victims were female and 61 victims were male.

• In 2024, 111 offenders in North Carolina domestic violence-related homicides were male and 44 offenders were female.

• North Carolina reporting data also reflects that many domestic violence-related homicides involve current or former intimate partners, dating relationships, cohabitating partners, and individuals who share children in common.

The Impact of Violence

The effects of sexual violence and domestic violence can extend far beyond the immediate incident. Survivors may experience emotional, physical, financial, social, and psychological impacts that continue long after the violence has occurred. Support services, advocacy, counseling, medical care, and community resources can play an important role in recovery and safety planning.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available.