The biggest predictor of domestic violence is a history of being physically abused or witnessing abuse as a child. [1][4]
Research has consistently shown that individuals who were abused or exposed to violence in their childhood are much more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence as adults. [1][4] Specifically, the risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence as an adult is two times greater for those who were abused or witnessed violence in their childhood. [4]
Other key predictors of domestic violence perpetration include:
- Heavy alcohol and drug use [2][4] - Aggressive or delinquent behavior as a youth [4] - Anger, hostility, and poor behavioral control [4] - Belief in strict gender roles and a desire for power/control in relationships [4] - Prior criminal history, especially related to violence, drugs, or weapons [2] - Economic stress and unemployment [2][4] - Emotional dependence and insecurity in relationships [4] - Witnessing violence between parents as a child [4]
While these factors increase the risk of domestic violence, it's important to note that abusers come from all backgrounds and not all individuals with these characteristics will become perpetrators. [2] Domestic violence can occur in any relationship, regardless of socioeconomic status or other demographics. [2][4]
Citations: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951472/ [2] https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/statistics/predictive-indicators-of-domestic-violence [3] https://domesticviolenceresearch.org/domestic-violence-facts-and-statistics-at-a-glance/ [4] https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/riskprotectivefactors.html [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10268549/
