What Increases Your Risk of Becoming a Victim of Domestic Abuse or Violence?

Skip to the navigation

Topic Overview

Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence. Certain factors can increase your risk of being abused.

Abusive situations you cannot control

Your risk for abuse increases if your partner:

  • Uses alcohol or drugs.
  • Had a job loss or job change or had a change in the level of income.
  • Has a history of extreme impulsiveness or an increase in risk-taking behaviors, such as:
    • Drinking and driving.
    • High-risk sexual behavior.
    • A strong interest in guns and access to a gun.
  • Has a history of suicide attempts.
  • Has a history of violent behavior.
  • Has recently been in jail.
  • Was abused as a child.
  • Has a medical or mental health problem, such as depression or personality disorder.

Unsafe situations you may be able to avoid

You may find yourself in an unsafe situation if you:

  • Abuse alcohol or drugs.
  • Date many people at one time.
  • Accept any violent behavior in the dating relationship. There is no excuse for abuse.
  • Ignore feelings of discomfort or warning signs that someone is treating you badly.
  • Think your partner holds the power in a relationship.
  • Are alone in an unfamiliar environment.
  • Depend on your dating partner for transportation.
  • Feel that your dating partner is in control because he or she asked you out and paid for the date.
  • Are part of a group that has a higher risk for assault, such as:
    • The homeless.
    • Sex workers.
    • Substance abusers.
    • Teens.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerWilliam H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerH. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofMarch 20, 2017