Violence in Early Adulthood and Beyond

This chapter describes family violence that occurs between intimate partners during adolescence and adulthood. The chapter recognizes different forms of intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, and economic abuse, in addition to risk factors for perpetration and victimization. Risk assessment may also identify abuse relationships more likely to escalate to lethal violence. Intimate partner violence can have numerous short- and long-term consequences and often co-occurs with child maltreatment. The chapter addresses some of the complexities of co-occurring intimate partner violence and child abuse and the consequences for adults, children, and the system. The life-course perspective contributes an important understanding of the initiation, continuation, and/or desistance from intimate partner violence, including a consideration of the multiple barriers to leaving abusive relationships.