The Cycle of Violence: Childhood Abuse, Illicit Drug Use and Adult Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

ABSTRACT The evidence consistently suggested a link between childhood abuse and violence perpetration in adulthood. However, the mechanism underlying the relationship between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration was still inadequately explored. In addition, the findings from existing research on gender disparities in the cycle of violence remain highly contentious. This study sought to investigate the correlation between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration from a life‐course perspective, while also exploring the mediating role of illicit drug use and examining gender disparities. A sample comprising 4822 participants (mean age = 28.99 years, SD = 1.77) was derived from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Data analysis employed structural equation modelling (SEM), which encompassed four primary components: measurement model, structural model, bias‐corrected bootstrapping analysis and multigroup analysis. Childhood abuse demonstrated a positive correlation with adult intimate partner violence perpetration. Moreover, the mediating effect of illicit drug use was observed in the relationship between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration. Furthermore, females exhibited a greater propensity to engage in illicit drug use following childhood abuse. This study has not only enhanced our understanding of the underlying mechanisms connecting childhood abuse to violence perpetration in adulthood but also carries implications for both policy and practice.