What affects your chance of becoming a victim of domestic abuse or violence?

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What affects your chance of becoming a victim of domestic abuse or violence?

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

Abusive situations you cannot control

You are more likely to be abused 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.
  • 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 do something about

You may find yourself in an unsafe situation if you:

• Abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Have an unplanned pregnancy.
• Date many people at one time.
• Accept any violent behavior in the dating relationship.
• Ignore feelings of discomfort or warning signs that someone is behaving inappropriately.
• Think men hold the power in a relationship.
• Are alone in an unfamiliar environment.
• Depend on men 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.

Credits

Last updated:	May 06, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer