NCJ Number
177573
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes 1996 findings on the extent of domestic violence in England and Wales.
Abstract
The 1996 British Crime Survey included a questionnaire covering frightening threats and physical assaults committed by current and former partners against men and women aged 16 to 59. Women were twice as likely to have been injured by a partner in the preceding year and three times as likely to have suffered frightening threats. Twenty-three percent of women and 15 percent of men said they had been physically assaulted by a current or former partner at some time in their lives. These figures increased to 26 percent and 17 percent respectively when frightening threats were included. At greatest risk of domestic assault were those under 25 and those in financial difficulties. For women, risks were particularly high for those separated from a spouse. Half the victims had told someone about their most recent assault, most often a friend, neighbor or relative. The police were the next most likely to hear of incidents, followed by medical staff. Figure, table