Violence in America: A National Crisis Ignored by Politics

A recent national study on violence in the US reveals a stark reality: more than half of American adults have experienced physical violence, while nearly half have suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives. This is not surprising given the country’s long-standing issues with gun violence, intimate partner abuse, and economic inequality.

The study, conducted by researchers from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute and the University of California, San Diego, surveyed 2,720 adults across all 50 states between October and December 2025. The findings underscore a deeper problem: the persistent failure of policymakers to address the root causes of violence in America.

Physical violence is not just a crime statistic; it’s a symptom of a broader societal illness that affects both men and women equally. However, intimate partner violence disproportionately affects women, with 61% reporting having experienced it at some point in their lives. This is closely tied to economic hardship: adults who have been evicted or homeless in the past year are seven times more likely to report recent physical violence.

Economic shocks like eviction, homelessness, and poverty are key drivers of vulnerability to violence. The data also reveals that experiences of violence rise sharply during adolescence and young adulthood, with nearly one-third of adults reporting having experienced sexual violence by this stage.

The Trump administration’s decision to terminate or redirect over $1 billion in federal grants related to gun violence, public safety, mental health, and other efforts to prevent harm is a stark reminder of the country’s priorities. This decision was made months before the study was released, and it speaks volumes about the lack of response from policymakers.

The data should serve as a wake-up call for politicians who continue to peddle simplistic solutions to complex problems. Violence prevention requires addressing economic hardship, mental health, and social inequality head-on. As Anita Raj, executive director of the Newcomb Institute and co-author of the study, noted, “We also don’t want to find out about it at that point because if we’re finding out at that point, the risk for fatality has now gone up.”

This is not just a matter of policy; it’s a moral imperative. The persistence of violence in America demands a fundamental shift in how we approach social issues. We need policymakers who are willing to tackle the root causes of violence and invest in programs that address economic inequality, mental health, and community safety.

The study highlights the importance of assessing violence beyond crime reports. By looking at behaviors and experiences that could have led to fatality, researchers can better understand the scope of risk. This requires a fundamental shift in how we collect data on violence, moving away from piecemeal reporting and towards a more comprehensive understanding of its causes.

As we move forward, it’s essential to watch for policy responses that merely pay lip service to these issues without addressing their root causes. We need politicians who are willing to engage in meaningful dialogue with experts and community leaders to develop effective solutions. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people who have suffered violence at some point in their lives.

Ultimately, this study is not just about numbers or statistics; it’s about human lives lost, families shattered, and futures destroyed by a national crisis that has been ignored for far too long.