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Published on: February 23, 2015
Women's experiences with violence: a national study
Kathryn E Moracco1, Carol W Runyan, J Michael Bowling
1Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA. moracco@pire.org
Summary
Sixty percent of women experienced violence since age 18, with 10% reporting it in the past year. This study highlights varied risks for different demographics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive violence against women (VAW) data.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Violence against women (VAW) is a pervasive issue with significant public health and social consequences.
- Existing research on VAW often relies on limited samples and inconsistent definitions, impeding national and subgroup analyses.
- A comprehensive understanding of VAW prevalence and risk factors across diverse populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the lifetime and prior-year prevalence of violence against women (VAW) in a nationally representative sample.
- To identify sociodemographic factors associated with increased risk of experiencing VAW.
- To inform public health strategies and research methodologies for addressing VAW.
Main Methods:
- A population-based telephone survey of 1,800 noninstitutionalized women aged 18 and older.
- Assessment of experiences with six types of violence, including intimate partner violence and stalking behaviors.
- Calculation of prevalence rates and use of logistic regression to model victimization odds.
Main Results:
- Sixty percent of women reported experiencing at least one form of violence since age 18; 10% experienced violence in the prior year.
- Prevalence varied by violence type and sociodemographic characteristics.
- Women under 55, those on public assistance, and lesbian/bisexual women faced higher lifetime risks; younger women (18-24) had higher prior-year risks.
Conclusions:
- Lifetime victimization estimates, including stalking, are essential for understanding the chronic nature of partner violence.
- Future research should prioritize diverse participant recruitment and develop measures to fully capture the patterns and consequences of VAW.
- Accurate national data on VAW is critical for effective prevention and intervention efforts.
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