The likelihood of facing intimate partner violence may increase over time for individuals who endured maltreatment during childhood, according to a recent study.
This research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, examined information from 12,794 individuals born in England and Wales, as part of the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS).
Initiated in 1994, TEDS has tracked twins born in England and Wales during their childhood, teenage years, and into early adulthood. These twins and their families participate in surveys and interviews that explore various environmental and individual factors that have influenced them throughout their lives.
By analyzing the differences between identical and fraternal twins, researchers use the collected data to gain insight into how genetics and environmental influences shape abilities, behaviors, and mental health.
In this latest study, researchers discovered that individuals who reported having experienced childhood maltreatment (including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, as well as emotional or physical neglect) were three times more likely to encounter intimate partner violence by age 21 compared to their peers.
Furthermore, the risk of domestic abuse increased over time. By age 26, those who had undergone childhood maltreatment were four times as likely to experience intimate partner violence compared to their same-age counterparts.
Lead author Dr. Patrizia Pezzoli of UCL Psychology & Language Sciences stated, “Our findings align with previous research, which typically indicates a three to six times greater risk of victimization from intimate partner violence for those with a history of childhood maltreatment.”
“However, our discovery that this risk may escalate over time is novel. We interpret this increase as consistent with prior evidence that individuals exposed to maltreatment often face gradual limitations in their social networks — for instance, due to reduced social opportunities during their upbringing — which could increase their vulnerability to dangerous relationships over time.”
Additionally, the researchers investigated the underlying reasons why individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment often face a heightened risk of abuse in their adult relationships.
They revealed that childhood maltreatment specifically exacerbates the risk of intimate partner violence, independent of both environmental and genetic risk factors.
Environmental factors shared among siblings, such as family dynamics and socioeconomic status, accounted for a significant portion (42-43%) of the connection between childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence. Genetic factors (30-33%) that influence behavior, personality traits, and susceptibility to certain issues, including the likelihood of experiencing or committing violence, also played a role.
Moreover, individual-specific external factors, such as peer influences, life events, or personal experiences, contributed to about a quarter (25-27%) of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and future intimate partner violence.
Dr. Pezzoli noted, “Understanding these distinctions can shed light on the various ways childhood experiences can affect outcomes later in life and guide the development of targeted interventions.”
The researchers hope their findings will assist in aiding individuals who may be vulnerable.
Dr. Pezzoli added, “We aim for our research to help address the complex factors that raise risks for certain individuals, ultimately creating opportunities for effective prevention and support.”
“This study underscores the need for evidence-based support strategies for those affected by childhood maltreatment, ideally before they enter intimate relationships, to foster a safe and healthy future.”
This research was financially supported by a grant from the British Academy/Leverhulme awarded to Dr. Pezzoli.
