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What affects your risk of becoming a victim?

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
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.