It isn’t always possible to tell whether physical abuse in a relationship might become a problem, but certain factors can increase the risk of intimate partner violence. Individual factors like aggression, economic stress, poor self-esteem, and impulsivity can play a role. Regardless of the causes, it’s essential to be aware of the red flags that a relationship might become violent and what to do if you feel like your safety and life are at risk.
A number of different risk factors have been implicated in intimate partner violence. Some of these are individual risk factors, while others relate to aspects of the relationship itself. Societal and community influences can also play a part.
Individual Risk Factors
According to the CDC, the following individual risk factors play a role in a person becoming a perpetrator of intimate partner violence:
• Aggressive behavior as a child or teen
• Antisocial personality traits
• Being insecure and emotionally dependent
• History of depression or past suicide attempts
• Belief in rigid gender roles and hostility toward women
• Desire for control or power in relationships
• Economic stress, low educational attainment, and poor economic status (However, intimate partner violence is not limited to these populations and it affects people of all economic statuses and education levels.)
• Lack of friends and social isolation
• Low self-esteem
• Poor behavioral control, impulsivity, and poor problem-solving skills
Relationship Risk Factors
There are also aspects of the relationship itself that can contribute to an increased risk for domestic violence. Relationships marked with jealousy, separation, divorce, or attempts to dominate the relationship are more likely to be affected by violence.
People who witnessed relationship violence as children are also more likely to either become victims or perpetrators of domestic violence as adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk and protective factors for perpetration.
Community and Societal Factors
The CDC also notes that a number of factors at the community and societal levels also increase the risk of domestic violence. At the community level, poverty, high unemployment rates, high crime rates, easy access to drugs, and low community involvement all contribute to an increased risk for relationship violence.
At the societal level, cultural norms, toxic masculinity, and gender expectations that suggest that men should be dominant and in charge of providing financial support and that women should be submissive and not enter the workforce also play a part in relationship violence.