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

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:

• Use 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.
  • People with substance use disorders.
  • Teens.