March 12, 2025

Survivors of violence and abuse make up 1/3 of the United States population, making them a demographic that is simply too large to ignore. Following the 2024 presidential election, Safe Horizon partnered with Untold Research to conduct a national poll surveying survivors of violence about their voting behavior. In this divisive political climate, we wanted to hear directly from survivors about their needs, feelings, and what they’re demanding from national leadership.

We surveyed 2,012 survivors across the country and across party lines who voted in the presidential election. The results of the survey revealed that survivors voted for Donald Trump at the same rate as the general electorate. Survivors, like the rest of the American electorate, consider a variety of factors to inform their vote beyond their experience of surviving abuse.

Respondents shared:

• “I feel he will take care of America and its people first and foremost. He will bring back our rights and freedoms and get rid of the immigration problem we are experiencing. He will help America to become what it once was and not what our past leaders has let it become.”
• “His tariffs will raise prices further, his tax breaks for the mega-rich will ruin the economy, he will gut the EPA, do nothing about climate change & I will be less likely to get Medicare or social security.”

Despite this division, polling emphasized the desire of survivors to have a government that listens to and supports survivors of violence and abuse.

Here are some key takeaways from the poll:

• Survivors expressed a concern that the election of a president with a record of sexual assault and harassment allegations would embolden abusers and predators, sending a message that such behavior is excusable.
  • “It influenced my vote because I do not feel that a convicted felon like president-elect Donald Trump is a good role model for young men and I believe this will embolden others to think it’s okay to assault women because [there would] be no consequence for your actions.”
• The president’s history of public comments that minimized sexual assault, combined with his appointments of individuals with sexual misconduct allegations have also increased fears that future policy decisions could undermine support for survivors of violence.
  • “I worry about my ability to access healthcare as a woman and my ability to access an abortion should I need one.”
  • “He’s promised multiple times to essentially make my existence illegal, because I’m transgender and have been medically transitioning for over 6 years.”
• Survivors were united across party lines in demanding that public officials ensure that survivors receive the resources they need to be safe.

These poll results remind us that ending violence is not a partisan issue. All survivors of violence—regardless of political affiliation—need to know that their safety, dignity and well-being are a priority for all public officials. With these findings, Safe Horizon is calling on survivors of violence across the country to stand publicly in support of organizations that protect and empower survivors.

Join us in sending a clear message to President Trump—sign our open letter to demand that resources for prevention, support services, and legal protections for survivors are prioritized and protected.