Family Violence Exposure Increases Risk of Intimate Partner Violence Among Young Adults

Abstract Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem that is influenced by factors such as a history of family violence either as a victim or witness, according to intergenerational transmission, since these experiences shape patterns of aggression and victimization, perpetuating a cycle that threatens well-being. General objectives To determine the association between having been a victim or witness of family violence and intimate partner violence in university students. Methods A cross-sectional, observational, prospective and analytical study was carried out with 520 university students aged 17 to 30 years, without previous diagnosis of mental disorders or in treatment with antidepressants or addictions. The VREP (Violence Received, Exercised and Perceived) questionnaire was used to assess VP. History of family violence (as victim or witness) was collected using a digital form. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals, considering p ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results 68.1% reported VP (general, exercised or received). Having been a victim of family violence was associated with a higher risk of general (OR = 2.6, 95%CI=1.5-4.3), exerted (2.2, 1.4-3.5) and received (2.24, 1.4-3.5) PV. Having been a witness showed a stronger association: overall PV (3.8, 2.5-5.7), exerted (3.5, 2.4-5.2) and received (3.35, 2.2-4.9). For VP of high severity, being a victim was associated with overall (1.6, 1.03-2.4), received (1.6, 1.06-2.5), and exerted (1.7, 1.1-2.7) VP. Witnessing was associated with high overall (2.4, 1.6-3.7), received (2.4, 1.6-3.5) and exercised (2.3, 1.5-3.4) PV. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for bold strategies: prevention programs at universities that address mental health and relational dynamics to break this cycle. Key messages • Family violence, as victim or witness, fuels intimate partner violence. Community parenting programs and university workshops can break cycles of family and partner abuse. • Family violence scars lead to partner violence. Community conflict resolution training and university mental health services can end family and intimate violence loops.