What to know
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) is an ongoing survey that collects the most current and comprehensive national- and state-level data on intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking victimization in the United States. CDC developed NISVS to collect data on these important public health problems and enhance violence prevention efforts.
Overview
Intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking can be challenging to monitor due to the sensitive nature of these forms of violence—NISVS can help. NISVS is an ongoing, nationally representative survey that gathers timely and reliable national and state-level data on sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence victimization from adult women and men in the United States.
NISVS asks questions about these sensitive topics using a health and behavior frame to help maximize reliable reporting of these important public health issues. NISVS collects lifetime and 12-month prevalence data, describes who is most likely to experience these forms of violence, as well as information on the impacts and health consequences associated with these types of violence. NISVS data inform and improve prevention and response efforts.
Why NISVS matters
NISVS regularly monitors and reports on lifetime and 12-month experiences of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence in a public health context. NISVS also examines associated health impacts and age of first victimization of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence.
Why the data is important for public health
A comprehensive strategy to prevent these types of violence requires that public health works with other sectors, such as education, justice, and social services to implement prevention efforts. By understanding and addressing sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence, we can empower communities to stop violence before it begins.
Key findings
Findings from NISVS indicate that millions of Americans are affected by sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence every year. In addition to the immediate physical and emotional toll, a wide range of chronic physical and mental health problems are associated with these forms of violence. The impact is felt well beyond an individual victim, with substantial economic costs across victims' lifetimes due to medical care, lost work, and justice system costs.