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.
Credits
Current as of: February 26, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Current as of: February 26, 2020
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine