Mental health experts have identified several risk factors related to abuse, both for abuse victims and perpetrators.

Risk factors for victimization include:

• A prior history of intimate partner violence
  
  
• Age
  
  
• Female gender
  
  
• Having substance abusesubstance abuse problems and/or engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., promiscuity)
  
  
• Lack of education and/or employment
  
  
• Being of a different ethnic background than a partner (for men)
  
  
• Having a greater education level than a partner (for women)
  
  
• Having a jealous or possessive partner (for women)

People with the following risk factors may be more likely to abuse:

• History of childhood physical or psychological abuse
  
  
• Low self-esteem, income and/or academic achievement
  
  
• Substance abuse problems
  
  
• Mood disorders (e.g., depression), an inability to control anger, and/or a prior history of being abusive
  
  
• Emotional dependence and insecurity
  
  
• Belief in strict gender roles, such as male dominance and aggression in relationships
  
  
• Desire for power and control in relationships