A Systematic Review of the Literature on Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence From 2012 to 2023

The increasing body of studies on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its' high prevalence worldwide signify heightened scholarly and societal interest. This is especially pertinent as IPV has recently penetrated broader contexts, including the digital world, and manifested in more diverse and complex forms. Building on Capaldi et al. (2012), this review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of emerging IPV risk factors by reviewing studies published from 2012 to 2023. We systematically reviewed 156 peer-reviewed articles published in English-speaking Western countries, utilizing a dynamic developmental systems perspective. The risk factors of IPV were organized into three domains: (a) contextual and demographic factors, such as age, gender, SES, and community contexts; (b) developmental characteristics, including family risk factors, history of IPV, peer-related factors, school-and work-related factors, psychological and behavioral factors, and cognition; and (c) relational characteristics, including relationship discord, conflict, and interactional patterns. This review expands on Capaldi et al.'s (2012) previous work by adopting more inclusive approaches, examining both perpetration and victimization, including sexual minority participants, incorporating technological forms of IPV, and utilizing comprehensive measures to provide a more thorough understanding of IPV. Furthermore, this review provides recommendations and future directions for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers working to address IPV.