An Updated and Revised Dyadic Model of Partner Violence

Research on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has traditionally examined perpetrators and victims separately, limiting understanding of the relational processes that sustain violence. The present review builds on the dyadic model of partner violence by synthesizing findings from 12 meta-analytic studies investigating risk markers for physical IPV. Peer-reviewed meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2024 were identified through searches using combinations of terms related to IPV, risk factors, and meta-analysis. Studies were included if they reported quantitative effect sizes for variables associated with physical IPV perpetration or victimization. Extracted results were organized into three hierarchical levels: (a) background and dispositional factors, (b) relationship context, and (c) situational context. Across reviews, the strongest and most consistent predictors of IPV clustered within the relationship level, particularly prior partner aggression, emotional abuse, and relationship dissatisfaction. Protective factors such as communication skills and empathy were inversely related to IPV risk. Few studies examined same-sex couples, men as victims, or culturally diverse samples, highlighting major gaps in current evidence. This review provides an updated synthesis and conceptual organization of IPV risk markers and emphasizes the importance of dyadic frameworks for guiding future theory, prevention, and policy.