Domestic violence impacts nearly two-thirds of Californians

Majority support jail alternatives for perpetrators and state-funded survivor support

SAN FRANCISCO (OCTOBER 8, 2025) — Nearly two-thirds of Californians (63%) say they are affected by domestic violence, either directly or indirectly through a family member or friend and nearly one-third (31%) identify as survivors, according to a new statewide survey commissioned by Blue Shield of California Foundation.

Additionally, three-quarters of Californians believe that domestic violence is preventable and back alternative strategies to jail, such as turning to programs that educate and rehabilitate those who caused harm and relying on mental health practitioners as first responders in non-violent incidents. The desire for jail alternatives was shared by the majority of those who identified as survivors, 70% of whom declined to report their abuse to the police.

The report also demonstrated widespread support for state-funded resources with 84% of respondents saying they support increased state investment in domestic violence services, expanded mental health care, assistance with benefit enrollment, job protections, and paid cash assistance for survivors.

“These findings make it clear that domestic violence is not only widespread—it is personal for far too many Californians,” said Debbie I. Chang, MPH, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “But they also highlight a hopeful truth: most people understand that supporting state- funded resources and alternatives to jail that go beyond punishment can create safer, healthier communities for every Californian.”

The research, which used a mixed-methods approach including focus groups and a survey of 2,459 adults 18 and over, was conducted in May, 2025 and provided a broad portrait of Californians facing challenging times: 42% said their households faced a negative life event such as job loss or serious illness in the last year; 82% want the state to help low-wage Californians access basic needs like health care, nutrition and housing; and strong majorities said they feel racism is on the rise, with immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color facing increased discrimination.

This research was commissioned as part of an ongoing effort to document trends, attitudes, and barriers in Californians’ needs and experiences with domestic violence, economic insecurity, racial equity, and gender-based harm. The methodology was carefully created to capture diverse perspectives, including those of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, economically insecure adults, and mixed-immigration status households. There was intentional oversampling to ensure representativeness from California’s diverse population. The survey included respondents (31%) who self-identified as survivors of domestic violence and those (10%) who self-identified as having committed abuse against a partner.

“This poll is not just a measurement tool—it’s a beacon and a reminder that even in turbulent times, it’s crucial to listen to one another,” said Chang. “Our mission is to end domestic violence and make California the healthiest state in the country. To achieve that, we know that we need to hear from Californians including those most affected by violence so we can create tangible positive change that is lasting.”

The findings also showed gaps in how Californians define domestic violence. Most Californians recognized domestic violence includes a range of behaviors including gaslighting (69%), financial control (68%), verbal (74%) and physical violence (76%). However, nearly one in four (24%) did not identify physical abuse (pushing, slapping, blocking or preventing one from leaving a room, punching the wall, or throwing things) as domestic violence. Similarly, 26% did not recognize sexual coercion or forced sex as abuse. The poll, conducted by PerryUndem and the Center for Advancing Innovative Policy, was the third survey commissioned by the Foundation in the past decade on these topics. More information about the survey is available.

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About Blue Shield of California Foundation
Blue Shield of California Foundation supports lasting and equitable solutions to make California the healthiest state and end domestic violence. When we work together to remove the barriers to health and well-being, especially for Californians most affected, we can create a more just and equitable future. For more information, visit blueshieldcafoundation.org, sign up for our monthly newsletter Intersections, and please join us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Press contacts:

Blue Shield of California Foundation
Rachael Kagan, Rachael.kagan [at] blueshieldcafoundation.org, 510 227-7665

The Reis Group
Kathleen Petty, kpetty [at] thereisgroup.com