Gender-Based Violence and the Effects on Behavioral Health

As defined by the 2023 U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (PDF | 1.6 MB), gender-based violence (GBV) refers to a range of interpersonal violence across the life course, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence (AKA domestic violence), stalking and other interconnected forms of violence and coercive control. GBV survivors are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance misuse disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide attempts.

SAMHSA is committed to addressing the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) and the treatment, support, and recovery of survivors.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent GBV and to support survivors. Recovery to live a fulfilling, productive and happy life is more than possible.

Gender-Based Violence Prevalence Statistics

According to the 2023 U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence:

• More than half of women (54.3%) and nearly one-third (31%) of men in the United States reported some form of sexual violence victimization involving physical contact (contact sexual violence) at some point in their lifetimes.
• About 41% of women and 26% of men reported having experienced, at some point in their lifetimes, contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner that resulted in an intimate partner violence-related impact (including, for example, injury or concern for safety, need for housing or legal services, or help from law enforcement).
• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men reported being a victim of stalking in their lifetimes that made them fearful, threatened, or concerned for their safety.

U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

The White House released the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action (GBV National Plan) in May 2023. This first-ever plan is a comprehensive, government-wide approach to prevent and address sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other connected forms of violence and coercive control.

SAMHSA’s Implementation of the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence

The release of the GBV National Plan provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the link between GBV and mental health and substance use and to take further action.

SAMHSA has joined its sister Operating Divisions in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with other federal agencies in implementing an interdepartmental approach. SAMHSA is also continuously engaged with external partners and stakeholders, including those with lived experience, to enhance the agency’s work.

For inquiries regarding SAMHSA's implementation of the GBV National Plan, please email GenderBasedViolence@samhsa.hhs.gov.

Finding Help

There are several national hotlines available to address the different forms of GBV.

Resources

U.S. Department of Labor National Veterans’ Training Institute Podcast: Episode 25 Recognizing and Addressing Gender-Based Violence in the Veteran Community. This podcast explores the effects of gender-based violence on veterans and offers insights and resources for veteran service providers to assist them in providing support and referrals.