Vast Majority of Female Murder Victims Killed By Partners: New CDC Report

Forget “stranger danger.”

More than half of the women murdered in the U.S. are killed by current or former romantic partners, the Center for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says in a new report released last week. Only 16% of homicides against females are perpetrated by strangers, which is less than those by acquaintances and parents.

What does this mean? Intimate-partner violence (IPV) is still pervasive, still a threat, and still a major cause of death for women.

Another key takeaway from this report demonstrates the increased danger for women of color. More than 60% of homicides against Hispanic women are IPV-related, which is the highest percentage of all ethnic groups.

Our organization works to combat violence against women every day, and yet seeing staggering statistics like these still blow us away. If anything, it further ignites our fire to continue our work, knowing how critical it is today.

The CDC’s report wasn’t entirely doom and gloom – it noted two opportunities for prevention based on its research: better bystander training and screenings in doctor’s offices. With our work in engaging men and boys to become “upstanders,” as well as the various programs we offer to better equip health professionals in violence prevention (such as the brand new IPV Health website and IPV Health Partners toolkit), we continue to feel affirmed in our mission.

If, like us, these latest CDC numbers frighten you, join our email list. Women, children, and families need us now more than ever!