Over half of U.S. adults report experiencing physical violence in their lifetime, with significant implications for public health and safety, according to a new national study led by Tulane University and UC San Diego.
A recent study conducted by researchers from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute and the University of California, San Diego, has unveiled troubling statistics regarding the prevalence of physical and sexual violence among U.S. adults. The findings, released as part of the 2025 United States Violence Experiences Survey (USVEX), indicate that more than half of American adults—52%—have experienced physical violence in their lifetime, with the rate being evenly distributed between men and women.
The study surveyed 2,720 adults across all 50 states between October and December 2025, using a nationally representative sample administered by NORC at the University of Chicago. The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive approach to assessing violence, which goes beyond traditional crime reports. “That’s a fraction of people who are affected,” said Anita Raj, executive director of the Newcomb Institute and co-author of the report. Raj emphasized the importance of understanding the broader implications of violence before it escalates to fatal outcomes.
Scope and Impact of Physical Violence
According to the study, 5% of American adults reported experiencing physical violence in the past year, with 3% indicating that the violence did not involve a weapon. The majority of women—61%—reported that they experienced physical violence at the hands of a spouse or romantic partner, while men were more likely to encounter violence from a stranger (38%). Notably, the home emerged as the most common setting for such violence, with 69% of women and 34% of men reporting incidents occurring within their residences.
The psychological ramifications of physical violence are significant, with nearly half (48%) of women and a quarter (26%) of men who experienced physical violence in the past year reporting subsequent anxiety or depression. Alarmingly, only a minority of those affected pursued formal complaints, with 10% of women and 17% of men taking such action.
Prevalence of Sexual Violence
The survey also revealed that 49% of U.S. adults have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, with women disproportionately affected at 68%, compared to 29% of men. Over the past year, 7% of adults reported experiencing sexual violence, with the incidence rising to 9% among women and 4% among men. The study highlighted that sexual harassment constituted a significant portion of reported incidents.
Perpetrators of sexual violence were most often strangers, accounting for 58% of cases involving women and 66% involving men. Acquaintances or community members were the next most frequently reported perpetrators, at 47% for women and 41% for men. The study also noted notable differences in the locations where sexual violence occurred: 55% of women indicated that incidents took place in public spaces, while 64% of men reported such incidents occurring at home.
Intimate Partner Violence and Economic Factors
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a critical issue, with 61% of women and 45% of men affirming that they have experienced it. Among women, 19% reported potentially lethal IPV, including severe forms of violence such as beating or strangulation, compared to 3% of men. The findings indicate a worrying trend where experiences of violence tend to increase during adolescence and young adulthood, with nearly one-third of adults reporting incidents of sexual violence by this stage in life.
The study also established a close relationship between economic hardship and experiences of violence. Adults who faced eviction in the past year were found to be seven times more likely to report recent physical violence, three times more likely to report sexual violence, and nearly five times more likely to report intimate partner violence.
Raj pointed out that economic status plays a crucial role in vulnerability to violence. “What we really see are what we call economic shocks that increase their very acute vulnerability,” she stated, referring to factors such as financial instability and housing insecurity. Raj emphasized that early experiences of violence can lead to a higher risk of future violence, indicating the need for proactive measures before incidents escalate to fatal outcomes.
Broader Implications for Violence Prevention
Jakana Thomas, a political science professor at UC San Diego and co-author of the study, echoed Raj’s sentiments, stating, “These findings show that violence prevention cannot occur in isolation. It must be part of a broader strategy that also addresses economic hardship, mental health, and other forms of social inequality associated with violence.” This perspective emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive approaches to violence prevention that incorporate various social determinants of health.
The release of this study coincides with a tragic incident in Houma, Louisiana, where a stabbing spree resulted in the deaths of a woman, her daughter, her son, and his girlfriend. The suspect, who was arrested, had a reported familial connection to one of the victims. This incident underscores the urgent need for policy interventions and public health strategies to address the rising tide of violence.
As highlighted by the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the state has historically recorded a rate of women murdered by men that is significantly higher than the national average. The new study serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by violence in America and the pressing need for a coordinated response from policymakers and community leaders.
