RATES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN THE UNITED-STATES

Objectives. Estimates of intimate partner violence in the United State s based on representative samples have relied on data from one person per household or limited numbers of indicators from both partners. The purpose of this study was to estimate nationwide rates of intimate pa rtner violence with data from both couple members by using a standardi zed survey instrument, the Conflict Tactics Scale. Methods. A multista ge probability sampling design was used to conduct separate face-to-fa ce interviews in respondents' homes with both members of 1635 represen tative couples living in the 48 contiguous states. Results. Both partn ers' reports were used to estimate the following lower- and upper-boun d rates: 5.21% and 13.61% for male-to-female partner violence, 6.22% a nd 18.21% for female-to-male partner violence, and 7.84% to 21.48% for any partner-to-partner violence. Conclusions. High rates of intimate partner violence in the United States corroborate previous claims that the amount of intimate partner violence is substantial.