Washington State Domestic Violence Statistics

Domestic violence refers to crimes that are committed between family or household members. Intimate partner violence, or violence between people who are or were involved in a romantic relationship, is particularly prevalent.

In the state of Washington, many people suffer violence at the hands of loved ones every year. Here are a few key statistics about domestic violence in the state.

Global and National Domestic Violence Statistics

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) collects statistics on domestic violence across the country and in specific states. According to the organization, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States—amounting to over 10 million people per year.

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced severe domestic violence from an intimate partner.
• There are more than 20,000 calls placed to domestic violence hotlines every day in the United States.
• Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime across the country.
• Approximately 45.4% of all female rape victims and 29% of all male rape victims were assaulted by an intimate partner.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone young or old, male or female. According to the World Health Organization, however, women are particularly at risk of this violence. An estimated 27% of women between the ages of 15–49 worldwide have been subjected to physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports even more alarming statistics about intimate partner violence in the United States. Every minute, 24 people become victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, resulting in over 12 million victims annually. Nearly 3 in 10 women have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by a partner that affected their daily functioning, compared to 1 in 10 men. 

Between 1994 and 2010, approximately 80% of intimate partner violence victims were women, with injuries reported by 14.8% of female victims and 4% of male victims nationwide. Young women face the highest risk, with those aged 18-34 experiencing the highest rates of intimate partner violence. These incidents often involve repeat victimization—roughly 80% of female victims report previous abuse by the same offender.

The Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Washington State

According to the NCADV, domestic violence also occurs at a significantly high rate in Washington. The organization provides the following state-level statistics on this crime:

• Approximately 41.4% of women and 31.7% of men in Washington have experienced domestic violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lives.
• In 2020, domestic violence crimes comprised 49.7% of all crimes that occurred against a person in Washington state.
• 20% of all Washington homicides in 2020 involved domestic violence offenses.
• In 2020, Washington submitted 608 domestic violence misdemeanor conviction and 234 protective order records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
• Intimate partners committed more than 30% of aggravated assaults and nearly 30% of rapes in Washington during 2020.

Pierce County Domestic Violence Rate

Domestic violence continues to be a serious concern in Washington state, with some regions reporting significantly higher rates than others. Pierce County, in particular, has troubling domestic violence statistics.

The county has the highest domestic violence rate in the region, with 10 crimes reported per 1,000 residents. This is higher than neighboring counties—King, Snohomish, and Thurston Counties each report only six to seven crimes per 1,000 people. 

Data from the Pierce County government shows clear patterns that are consistent with national domestic violence statistics: women make up 72% of reported cases, while men comprise 76% of offenders.

Penalties for Domestic Violence in Washington

Domestic violence is a serious crime in Washington state. These crimes are often charged as misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors. The penalty for a misdemeanor crime is up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. For a gross misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Serious incidents of domestic violence may qualify as a felony crime, which is punishable by over one year in jail. Additionally, people convicted of a domestic violence offense are unable to possess a firearm or obtain a concealed weapons permit.

A domestic violence conviction can have a significant impact on your life. If you are charged with this crime, you need an attorney on your side who can protect your future and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

If you are arrested for domestic violence, remain silent and do not answer any questions from law enforcement. Instead, contact a Washington criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.

Common Types of Domestic Violence Charges in Washington

In Washington state, there is no specific crime called domestic violence. Instead, regular criminal charges become domestic violence cases based on the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim. When the incident involves family members, intimate partners, or household members, prosecutors add a domestic violence designation to the underlying charge. 

Here are the most common crimes that receive domestic violence designations:

• Simple Assault: When someone intentionally touches or strikes another person without consent, or creates reasonable fear of harm, they may face simple assault charges. In domestic situations, this often involves pushing, grabbing, or similar physical contact that does not involve aggravating factors.
• Violation of Protective Orders: Breaking the terms of a no-contact order, restraining order, or domestic violence protection order constitutes a serious offense. This includes physical presence near the protected person, sending them electronic messages, or using third parties to communicate.
• Destruction of Property: Domestic violence incidents often involve damaging a family member or partner’s belongings. This can include breaking phones, punching walls, destroying furniture, or damaging vehicles during arguments.
• Motor Vehicle Theft: Taking a family member or partner’s vehicle without permission can result in theft charges, even if the accused person regularly uses the vehicle. 
• Aggravated Assault: These charges involve attacks that cause substantial bodily harm or those using weapons. In domestic violence cases, aggravated assault often stems from arguments that get out of control and result in serious injuries.
• Kidnapping: Preventing someone from leaving during an argument by force, threats, or blocking exits can lead to kidnapping charges. Any situation where someone is held against their will, even briefly, could carry severe consequences.
• Sex Offenses: Sexual assault charges in domestic relationships are treated seriously, regardless of marital status or relationship history. These cases involve any non-consensual sexual contact between current or former partners, including rape, harassment, and fondling.

How an Attorney Can Defend Your Rights After a Domestic Violence Arrest

Being arrested for domestic violence is a frightening and overwhelming experience that can leave you feeling powerless and uncertain about your future. However, you do not have to face these challenges alone. The sooner you have legal counsel on your side, the better positioned you will be as your case moves forward.

A Tacoma domestic violence attorney will work closely with you to understand your side of the story and make sure that your rights are protected. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the allegations, interview witnesses, and gather evidence that supports your case. They will also build a robust defense strategy to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and work toward having your charges reduced or dismissed.

Your attorney can pursue several defense strategies depending on the charge in question. These may include demonstrating that the allegations were fabricated, proving that any injuries were accidental rather than intentional, establishing that you acted in self-defense, or showing that the alleged victim’s account is inconsistent with physical evidence. 

What to Do If You Are Facing Domestic Violence Charges in Washington

The moments following a domestic violence arrest can be scary, but they are also crucial for protecting your future. When you are arrested, keep the following in mind:

• Do Not Say Anything: First and foremost, exercise your right to remain silent. Any statements you make to law enforcement can be used against you, even if you are trying to explain or defend yourself. Provide your basic identifying information and clearly state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering questions.
• Do Not Resist Arrest: While being arrested, stay calm and comply with officer commands, even if you believe the accusations are false. Resisting arrest or becoming confrontational will only complicate your situation and could result in additional charges. Keep your hands visible and follow instructions carefully.
• Reach Out to an Attorney: Contact a defense attorney immediately, even before speaking with family members about the incident. Washington treats domestic violence cases seriously, with potential penalties including jail time, hefty fines, and lasting restrictions on your rights. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the better they can protect your interests and begin building your defense.

Your attorney can help prevent evidence from being destroyed and ensure witnesses are interviewed while memories are fresh. They will also guide you through important early decisions, like whether to participate in police interviews or accept plea offers. 

Be aware that a no-contact order will likely be imposed at your first court appearance. Violating this order, even if the alleged victim initiates contact, can result in new criminal charges. Your attorney can help you understand and comply with all court orders while working to modify overly restrictive conditions.

If you are facing domestic violence charges in Washington, do not wait to seek legal representation. The stakes are too high to handle these cases alone. Contact a Washington domestic violence defense lawyer today to protect your rights, freedom, and future.