Ongoing research about intimate partner violence (IPV) is increasing our prevention knowledge. Each year, we learn more about factors that increase a person’s risk of becoming a victim or perpetrating IPV. As our understanding increases, so does our ability to support community prevention efforts.

For example, research shows that the risk that individuals will hurt their partner increases when they have been violent in the past, seen or been a victim of violence as a child, are using drugs or alcohol, or are unemployed or experiencing other stressful life events. Knowing the factors that lead to IPV – whether related to individual behavior, family environments, community settings, or in our society – can help us put strategies into place before violence occurs and quickly when warning signs arise.

For a complete list of IPV risk factors, please visit CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention website.