National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Summary Report

• NCJ Number: 237027
• Author(s): Michele C. Black; Kathleen C. Basile; Matthew J. Breiding; Sharon G. Smith; Mikel L. Walters; Melissa T. Merrick; Jieru Chen; Mark R. Stevens
• Date Published: November 2011
• Length: 124 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Survey

Annotation

This report summarizes findings from the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), an ongoing nationally representative random-digit-dial telephone survey that collects information on experiences of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence (IPV) among non-institutionalized English and/or Spanish-speaking women and men ages 18 or older.

Abstract

The survey's key findings are presented on sexual violence by any perpetrator; violence by an intimate partner; the impact of IPV; stalking victimization by any perpetrator; victim's race/ethnicity; the number and sex of perpetrators; health consequences for men and women who experienced rape or stalking by any perpetrator or physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime; violence in the 12 months prior to taking the survey; and State-level estimates across all types of violence and by type of violence. In discussing the implications of the survey findings for violence prevention, the report notes that survey data underscore the heavy toll that sexual violence, stalking, and IPV have on women, men, and children in the United States. Violence begins at an early age and commonly leads to negative health consequences across the lifespan. Collective action is needed in order to implement prevention approaches, ensure appropriate responses, and support these efforts based on data and research. Prevention efforts should start early by promoting healthy, respectful relationships in families. It is equally important to continue addressing the beliefs, attitudes, and messages that are embedded in social structures and that create a climate that condones sexual violence, stalking, and IPV. In addition to prevention efforts, services must be provided to mitigate and treat the emotional and physical damage violence causes victims. Also, offenders must be held accountable and treated. Training and evaluation must be used in improving and measuring the effectiveness of prevention and intervention efforts. Extensive tables and figures and appended survey questions and methodological details