Exposure to different types of violence during childhood and adolescence: risk factors for perpetrating intimate partner violence against women in early adulthood

Purpose Due to the prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW), there is a growing literature focused on understanding the risk factors for perpetrating it. The purpose of this study is to analyse whether exposure to IPVAW in the family of origin, experiencing childhood maltreatment, perpetrating and/or experiencing bullying, as well as being involved in antisocial behaviours during childhood and adolescence, increase the risk of male IPVAW perpetration in adulthood. Design/methodology/approach Data were extracted from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The sample consisted of 1,011 men from the general population, categorised into two groups: those who engaged in any form of IPVAW (psychological, physical and/or sexual violence) (n = 163) and those who reported no violent behaviour (n = 848) at 21.5 years old. Findings Prevalence of IPVAW perpetration was estimated, and the percentages of the variables of interest among male IPVAW perpetrators were reported. The results showed that exposure to IPVAW in the family of origin, experiencing childhood maltreatment, perpetrating bullying, as well as being involved in antisocial behaviours during childhood and adolescence, increased the risk of IPVAW perpetration in adulthood. Originality/value The findings could be useful in prevention programmes. Additionally, they highlight the importance of including childhood and adolescent experiences of violence in intervention programmes for male IPVAW perpetrators.