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Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
Scientific Information: Risk and Protective Factors

Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence

Risk factors are associated with a greater likelihood of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization or perpetration. They are contributing factors and may or may not be direct causes. Not everyone who is identified as "at risk" becomes involved in violence.

Some risk factors for IPV victimization and perpetration are the same. In addition, some risk factors for victimization and perpetration are associated with one another; for example, childhood physical or sexual victimization is a risk factor for future IPV perpetration and victimization.

A combination of individual, relational, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of becoming a victim or perpetrator of IPV. Understanding these multilevel factors can help identify various opportunities for prevention.

Risk Factors for Perpetration

Individual Factors

Relationship Factors

Community Factors

Societal Factors

Additional Resources

Literature Reviews

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Content Source: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention
Page last modified: November 19, 2008