Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) affects 1 in 3 women worldwide and includes psychological, coercive, and controlling behaviors, not just physical or sexual violence. It can cause long-term harm across generations.
While studies estimate the link between parental IPVA and IPVA risk in children, more research is needed to determine whether this relationship is causal.
A new study examined whether parental intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) increases the risk of IPVA in the next generation. Using data from 3,243 families, researchers found that young men raised in violent homes are 43% more likely to commit violence or abuse in their own relationships.
The study found that young men exposed to parental physical violence were more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence. Specifically:
- 21.3% of those raised in violent homes committed IPVA, compared to 13.8% of those without exposure.
- This means perpetration was 54% more likely among those who grew up around parental IPVA and 43% more likely after accounting for background factors like education and affluence.
- The research estimated that physical parental IPVA contributed to one in ten cases of young male perpetration, especially among those who also experienced childhood maltreatment.
Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA)—which includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse—affects one in three women globally and can cause long-term harm across generations.
In the UK, about one in four adults grew up in households where IPVA occurred. Previous studies have linked parental IPVA to IPVA in young adults, but findings often rely on memories of past violence recalled decades later.
The study aimed to provide a more accurate estimate of the link between parental intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) and young adult IPVA, using parent-reported data from the UK.
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Researchers also examined how other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as maltreatment or parental mental health issues—contribute to the risk, as ACEs are more common in families experiencing IPVA.
Dr. Annie Herbert, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of early interventions to reduce IPVA risks, particularly for young boys. She suggests focusing on healthy conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and relationship education as preventive strategies.
While the study highlights the importance of addressing intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA), it found that the risk of young men or women becoming perpetrators was relatively low at 16-21%.
The researchers emphasize that support services for families affected by IPVA should also consider other adversities, such as childhood maltreatment and parental mental health issues, which can increase the risk of future IPVA outcomes.
Journal Reference:
- Annie Herbert, Christine Barter et al. The impact of parental intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) on young adult relationships: a UK general population cohort study. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101278
