People who experience trauma as children are likely to experience triggers that they don’t understand when they become parents. These triggers may cause the parent to repeat old patterns that they are already familiar with. People who experienced physical abuse are more likely to doubt the intentions of new people, which can make it difficult to form healthy relationships. This article looks at the (sometimes) repetitive nature of violence, the factors that predispose people to violence, and ways to prevent abusive or violent behaviors. It also covers important resources for people who are hoping to recover and heal from past trauma.
Why Does Violence Sometimes Repeat Itself?
One study found that exposure to family violence early in life drastically increases the chances of intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood. Another study even found that children that had experienced abuse were far more likely to be arrested for a non-traffic offense at least once by the age of 32. When abuse is described as a cycle, it’s often separated into four stages:
Risk Factors of Domestic Violence
While violence can happen to anyone from any background, studies have shown that there are a few factors that increase the likelihood of perpetual violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that there is a variety of societal, community, and relationship-based risk factors that can increase the likelihood of perpetuating violence. Some of them include:
Experiencing abuse in childhoodSubstance abuseYoung ageLower formal education levelsDealing with a mental illnessSocial isolationLower family income
How to Prevent Violence
Once a history of parental childhood abuse has been found, studies have shown that certain social services, like mental healthcare and child care, can potentially curb the likelihood of repeating abusive behavior. According to the CDC, the risk of violence decreases when people have high-quality friendships and social support systems, as well as supportive community agencies and neighborhood interactions. In terms of helping victims of child abuse on a larger scale, the CDC lists a few things that would help to prevent abusive behavior:
Providing early options for childhood educationEarly childhood home visitsBehavioral training programs for parentsTreatment for problem behaviorIncreased financial security in individual householdsImproved licensing and accreditation standards for child care facilities
Resources
If you or someone you know has experienced violence in either a relationship or as a child, it’s important to seek help. For example, Safe Horizon provides short-term shelter as well as access to counseling services. They also offer multiple community services that can be helpful based on your specific case. Support groups can be helpful because they can help you find community and feel less alone. They can also provide comfort for those that are also struggling after ending relationships.
A Word From Verywell
Just because you experienced violence as a child or in a past relationship doesn’t mean that you will repeat those patterns. If you are dealing with PTSD or other mental health issues, a therapist will be able to help you address your symptoms and triggers. They can also provide you with healthy coping mechanisms. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
