Physical abuse can happen to anyone. But the chance of becoming a
victim of abuse may be higher if any of the following factors are
present:
What factors may increase your chance for being a victim of abuse?
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Having an unplanned
pregnancy
Abused as a child
Having certain medical
conditions, such as:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD)
Chronic pain
Mental health problems, such as
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression
Personality disorders
Being part of a group that has a higher risk for abuse
(vulnerable population), such as:
The homeless
People with mental health
problems
Sex workers
People with developmental
delays
The elderly
Substance
abusers
Teens
Author
Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor
Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor
Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention
Last Updated
January 18, 2008
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
January 18, 2008
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