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 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.

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.