Resources and Publications Census
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Census: Domestic Violence Counts
The Domestic Violence Counts: 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 annually by NNEDV since 2006, 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 Report
In just one day, September 15, 2009, 65,321 victims of domestic violence were served by domestic violence programs across the United States. On that day, local domestic violence programs answered more than 23,000 hotline calls. Unfortunately, on the same day, more than 9,000 requests for services were unmet due to inadequate funding or staff available to assist these victims.
Census Methodology & 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. 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?
Census Frequently Asked Questions for Domestic Violence Programs and Advocates
How can we use the data? Can we get data for just our organization or region? When is the next Domestic Violence Counts survey?
Census Frequently Asked Questions for Journalists
Can we get data for a specific city or county? Have the number of survivors who sought services increased? Is the economy causing more domestic violence?
Census 2008 Report
On a single day in September 2008, 60,799 victims of domestic violence were served by domestic violence programs across the country. In addition, domestic violence programs answered more than 21,000 hotline calls. Unfortunately, on the same day, almost 9,000 requests for services were unmet due to inadequate funding or staff available to assist these victims.
Census 2007 Report
On September 25, 2007, sixty-nine percent of identified domestic violence programs in the United States participated in the 2007 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The results were published January 30, 2008 in the NNEDV report: Domestic Violence Counts :07. A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelter and services across the United States.
Census 2006 Report
On November 2, 2006, 62% of identified local domestic violence programs across the United States participated in the first National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The results are highlighted in the NNEDV report published March 13, 2007: Domestic Violence Counts. A 24-hour census of domestic violence shelters and services across the United States.
