Uncovering the Truth About Violent Victimization in America

While violent crime rates have declined slightly in the U.S., millions of Americans still face serious threats each year. A new study by High Rise Financial reveals that in 2023 alone, an estimated 6.3 million people were victims of violent crimes, including assault, robbery, sexual violence, and more. That’s roughly 22.5 incidents per 1,000 people, showing that the problem is still widespread, even if less discussed.

Unfortunately, these numbers only reflect reported cases. Many victims remain silent, often due to fear, shame, or lack of trust in the system, meaning the true scope of violent victimization is likely even greater.

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What Counts as Violent Victimization?

The term “violent victimization” covers a range of personal crimes. High Rise Financial’s research focused specifically on assault, which includes:

• Simple Assault: The most common type, often involving physical harm or threats without serious injury or weapons.

• Aggravated Assault: Involves more severe harm, frequently with a weapon or resulting in hospitalization. These cases often occur in homes or on roadways.

• Sexual Assault: Includes non-consensual touching, harassment, and attempted rape. While different from rape, the two categories can overlap.

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How Often Are These Crimes Happening?

The report breaks down violent victimization in 2023 as follows:

• Simple Assault: 3.9 million cases (13.8 per 1,000 people age 12+)

• Aggravated Assault: 1.27 million cases (4.5 per 1,000)

• Sexual Assault: 481,000 cases (1.7 per 1,000)

While the total number of violent crimes decreased by 3% compared to 2022, millions of Americans were still affected.

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States With the Most and Least Reported Assaults

Based on public data, the following states reported the highest number of assault incidents:

Highest Reports in 2023:

• California – 198,036

• Texas – 123,856

• New York – 76,298

• Florida – 65,621

• Michigan – 45,888

Lowest Reports in 2023:

• Rhode Island – 1,839

• New Hampshire – 1,503

• Maine – 1,430

• Vermont – 1,362

• Wyoming – 1,116

It’s important to note: fewer reports don’t always equal fewer incidents. Low numbers may also point to underreporting in certain areas.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The study found that women were more likely than men to report violent victimization (3.5 million vs. 2.8 million). Age played a major role as well:

• 18–24-year-olds reported the highest rate at 43.9 per 1,000 people.

• 25–34-year-olds followed closely with 33.2 per 1,000.

• Teens and adults in their mid-30s to mid-40s also saw elevated rates.

Additional research from The Williams Institute found that transgender people are four times more likely to experience violent crime compared to cisgender individuals, highlighting the added vulnerability of LGBTQ+ communities.

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What’s the Relationship Between Victims and Offenders?

In most reported cases, the relationship between the victim and the offender was either unknown or nonexistent:

• 600,000 reports listed the relationship as “unclear.”

• 460,000 cases involved a stranger

• 336,000 involved someone in a romantic relationship with the victim

These findings stress the importance of recognizing that violent crime can happen anywhere, from crowded public spaces to the privacy of someone’s home.

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Why This Research Matters

High Rise Financial hopes this data encourages greater awareness and more open conversations about violent victimization. Every survivor deserves to be heard and, more importantly, to feel safe.

By better understanding who is most affected, where crimes are most common, and how people experience violence, communities and policymakers can take meaningful action to reduce harm and support those who need it most.