The National Census of Domestic Violence Services (Census) is an annual noninvasive, unduplicated count of adults and children who seek services from U.S. domestic violence shelter programs during a single 24-hour survey period. Conducted by NNEDV, this Census takes into account the dangerous nature of domestic violence by using a survey designed to protect the confidentiality and safety of victims.

Census 2009:

• The fourth annual Census survey was held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. 83 percent of local domestic violence programs across the U.S. submitted data. The survey results were released March 8, 2010, International Women's Day, and are highlighted in the NNEDV report: Domestic Violence Counts: 2009. A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services.

Census 2008:

• The third annual Census was conducted on September 17, 2008. The results are highlighted in the NNEDV report: Domestic Violence Counts: 08. A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services.

Census 2007:

• The second annual Census was conducted on September 25, 2007. The results are highlighted in the NNEDV report: Domestic Violence Counts: 07. A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services across the United States.

Census 2006:

• After developing and piloting the survey tool in May 2006, NNEDV conducted its first national Census on November 2, 2006. The results are highlighted in the NNEDV report: Domestic Violence Counts. A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services across the United States.

Census Methodology and Understanding the Data:

• The “snapshot” methodology provides an unduplicated count because a victim is unlikely to access services at more than one domestic violence program during a 24-hour period. But does this mean that 65,321 people were victims of domestic violence on the day of the count? Or, since this count was only on one day. Can I multiply it by 365 and get an average estimate of the number of victims who sought services in a year? Read More...