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      October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to remember victims and survivors, raise awareness of what domestic violence is, how to recognize it, and what can be done to prevent it.

      76

      Every month, an average of 76 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner.

      Everytown Research analysis of CDC, National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), 2021. Analysis includes firearm homicides involving an intimate partner and women ages 18–85+.

      Last updated: 9.30.2024

      5x

      Access to a gun makes it five times more likely that a woman will die at the hands of a domestic abuser.

      Campbell, J. C., and et al. (2003). “Risk factors for femicide in abusive relationships: results from a multisite case control study”. American Journal of Public Health.  (2003). https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.93.7.1089

      6M

      Nearly 6 million women reported having a gun used on them by an intimate partner.

      Ruth W. Leemis et al., “The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2016/2017 Report on Intimate Partner Violence,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2022, https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/124646. 4.7 percent of women (5.9 million) in the U.S. reported having a gun used on them by a current or former intimate partner at some point in their lifetime. While the survey question is up for interpretation by respondents and doesn’t provide further breakdowns, this count likely includes cases of being shot or shot at, hit with, and threats with a firearm.

      Every month, an average of 76 women in the US are shot and killed by an intimate partner1Everytown Research analysis of CDC, National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), 2021. Analysis includes firearm homicides involving an intimate partner and women 18 years and older. and nearly 6 million women reported having a gun used on them2While the survey question is up for interpretation by respondents and doesn’t provide further breakdowns, this count likely includes cases of being shot or shot at, hit with, and threats with a firearm. by an intimate partner.34.7 percent of women (5.9 million) in the United States reported having a gun used on them by a current or former intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.Ruth W. Leemis et al., “The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2016/2017 Report on Intimate Partner Violence,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2022, https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/124646. Research clearly shows that disrupting abusers’ access to guns can save lives.

      National Domestic Violence Hotline

      If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting “START” to 88788, or chatting online at thehotline.org. Trained advocates are available 24/7 to provide free confidential support to people anywhere in the US.

      You can also find more resources on legal assistance in English and Spanish at WomensLaw.org. For additional resources on the emotional, medical, financial, and legal consequences of gun violence for individuals and communities, please visit Everytown’s Resources page.

      Click here for additional resources for survivors of domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

      This month, help raise awareness of intimate partner violence by sharing resources and shining a light on prevention.

      Read More Stories

      Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, can take many forms. Understanding the behaviors that define domestic violence is a crucial way to take part in prevention and assist others in crisis.

      Defining the Problem

      All forms of intimate partner violence are preventable. Common-sense laws that keep guns out of the hands of abusive partners can help to reduce it.

      Addressing Solutions

      Domestic Violence Grant Program

      Through our Domestic Violence Grant Program, organizations across the country can access funding. These grants support activities related to addressing the intersection of domestic violence and gun violence.

      Learn More

      Moments That Survive

      During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, read and share the stories of domestic violence survivors.

      Read More

      More Resources

      Share on Social Media

      Help raise awareness by sharing resources on domestic violence on your social media accounts.

      Partner Resources

      Shareable Social Media Graphics

      Access to a gun makes it five times more likely that an abusive partner will kill his female victim.
      Black women are four times more likely than white women to be fatally shot by an intimate partner. [source] EverytownResearch.org/Domestic-Violence
      American Indian/Alaska Native women are more than two times more likely than white women to be fatally shot by an intimate partner. [source] EverytownResearch.org/Domestic-Violence
      Two demographic groups are disproportionately impacted by pregnancy-associated homicides: 1) Black women, 2) Girls and women aged 10-24
      Every month, an average of 76 women are shot to death by an intimate partner in the US. [source] EverytownResearch.org/Domestic-Violence
      Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women. 81% of these homicides involved a gun, and the majority of them occurred at home.
      There is no research to support the notion that owning a gun improves safety for women.
      Women in the US are 28 times more likely to be killed by guns than women in other high-income countries.
      Women with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience intimate partner violence than women without disabilities.

      Did you know?

      Every day, 125 people in the United States are killed with guns, twice as many are shot and wounded, and countless others are impacted by acts of gun violence.

      Everytown Research analysis of CDC, WONDER, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death, 2019–2023; Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project nonfatal firearm injury data, 2020; and SurveyUSA, Market Research Study #26602, 2022.

      Last updated: 11.8.2024