New report reveals prevalence of physical and sexual violence in US

A groundbreaking national study has exposed the staggering prevalence of physical and sexual violence among US adults. Conducted by researchers from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute and the University of California, San Diego, the study reveals that over half of all American adults have endured physical violence throughout their lives, while nearly half have faced sexual violence. The findings were published in the report, "Violence in America: Findings from the 2025 United States Violence Experiences Survey (USVEX)."

The study surveyed 2,720 adults across the 50 states between October and December 2025, aiming to assess violence beyond traditional crime reports. It examined the intersections between violence and various factors, including behavioral health, economic hardship, neighborhood safety, and substance use. Executive director of the Newcomb Institute, Anita Raj, emphasized the significance of this comprehensive approach, stating that traditional crime reports only capture a fraction of the affected population.

Key findings include:

- Over half (52%) of US adults experienced physical violence during their lifetime, with no difference in prevalence between genders.

- Nearly half (49%) of US adults faced sexual violence in their lifetime, with a significantly higher rate among women (68%) compared to men (29%).

- Among those who experienced physical violence in the past year, 48% of women and 26% of men reported anxiety or depression as mental health consequences.

- Among sexual violence survivors in the past year, 48% of women and 39% of men experienced anxiety or depression.

- Intimate partner violence (IPV) was widespread, with 61% of women and 45% of men reporting such experiences, including potentially lethal forms of abuse in 19% of cases for women.

- Economic hardship, such as eviction or homelessness, significantly increased the risk of violence, with evicted adults seven times more likely to report physical violence and nearly five times more likely to report intimate partner violence.

- Sexual violence primarily occurred at home (64% for men, 55% for women), while physical violence was most often experienced in the home (69% for women, 34% for men).

- The study also found that experiences of violence tend to increase during adolescence and young adulthood, with nearly one-third of adults reporting lifetime sexual violence by this stage.

The researchers underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to violence prevention, integrating various factors such as economic status and early life experiences to effectively address the growing public health crisis.