FAQ: What are the facts about assault?

• In 1999, there were an estimated 916,383 incidents of aggravated assault, accounting for 64 percent of the violent crime in the United States. (Crime in the United States 1999. Washington, DC: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000)
• In 1999, there were an estimated 4.7 million simple assaults in the United States. (Criminal Victimization in the United States 1999. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000)
• Dangerous weapons (excluding knives and firearms), such as clubs or other blunt objects, were used during 35 percent of all aggravated assaults in 1999. (Crime in the United States 1999. Washington, DC: Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000)
• In 1999, fewer than 5 out of 10 aggravated assault victims knew their offenders as an acquaintance, friend, relative, or intimate partner. (Criminal Victimization in the United States 1999. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000)
• Juveniles constitute 19 percent of all aggravated assault victims and 19 percent of all simple assault victims. Simple assault is the most common crime committed against juveniles, constituting 41 percent of all offenses against juveniles known to police. (Characteristics of Crimes Against Juveniles. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2000)
• The 1996 National Crime Victimization Survey found that 14 percent of all assaults occur in the home; 7 percent occur at a friend's, relative's, or neighbor's home; and 3 percent occur on the street near the victim's home. (Criminal Victimization in the United States 1999. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2000)

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