High Risk Factors

In domestic violence cases, certain high-risk factors significantly increase the likelihood of serious injury or homicide. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial for early intervention and protection.

Top High-Risk Factors in Domestic Violence

These risk factors have been identified through lethality assessments and studies on intimate partner homicides.

1. Strangulation (Highest Risk Factor)

Victims of non-fatal strangulation are 7 times more likely to be killed later.
Strangulation is an extreme form of control and dominance, often used to silence, intimidate, and terrifyvictims.
Even if no visible marks appear, it can cause brain damage, strokes, or death hours/days later.

2. Use of Weapons or Access to Weapons

Presence of firearms increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
If the abuser has access to a knife, gun, or other weapon, the danger level skyrockets.
Threatening to kill with a weapon or showing off weapons as a form of intimidation is a major red flag.

3. Escalating Physical Violence

Frequency and severity of attacks increasing over time.
Beatings becoming more violent, prolonged, or unpredictable.
Breaking bones, head injuries, or choking (strangulation) are extreme danger signs.

4. Threats to Kill

Explicit death threats (“If you leave me, I’ll kill you”).
Saying they will kill themselves and take you with them (murder-suicide risk).
Stalking behavior after threats, indicating a plan is forming.

5. Coercive Control & Isolation

The abuser isolates the victim from friends, family, and support networks.
Constant monitoring, controlling finances, and restricting movement.
Victims who are completely dependent on their abuser face extreme risk if they try to leave.

6. Recent Separation or Attempt to Leave

Leaving is the most dangerous time for a victim.
76% of domestic violence-related murders happen after the victim leaves or tries to escape.
The abuser may feel they are losing control and escalate violence to force the victim back.

7. Stalking & Harassment

The abuser follows, tracks, or spies on the victim.
Constant messages, calls, showing up at work/home even after being blocked.
Stalking is a huge predictor of future violence, especially if combined with death threats.

8. Sexual Violence & Rape in the Relationship

Forcing sex, non-consensual acts, or degrading behavior.
Use of sexual violence to assert control or punish.
Sexual assault within an abusive relationship increases homicide risk.

9. Abuse During Pregnancy

Violence often starts or escalates during pregnancy.
Hitting the stomach, pushing down stairs, or refusing medical care are extreme warning signs.
Pregnant victims are at very high risk of being killed.

10. Threats or Violence Against Children & Pets

Using children or pets as tools of control (e.g., threatening to hurt or take them away).
Direct harm to children is a sign of escalating abuse.
Killing or torturing pets is a strong homicide warning sign.

11. History of Domestic Violence or Criminal Behavior

If the abuser has a past of violent behavior in previous relationships, the risk is even higher.
History of violating restraining orders, attacking previous partners, or having been arrested for domestic violence.
Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs) + violent tendencies make escalation more likely.

12. Extreme Jealousy & Possessiveness

Constant accusations of cheating or betrayal.
Belief that the victim “belongs” to them.
Controlling what the victim wears, who they talk to, where they go.

13. Financial Abuse

Preventing the victim from working or having access to money.
Destroying credit, stealing money, or making the victim financially dependent.
Financial abuse makes leaving difficult, increasing risk if the victim attempts to escape.

Why These Factors Matter

If multiple of these risk factors are present, the victim is in extreme danger, and urgent action is needed.
The most dangerous moments are:
✅ Right after strangulation
✅ When the victim tries to leave
✅ When the abuser starts stalking or issuing death threats

Would you like information on safety planning, legal protection, or emergency escape strategies? You are not alone. ❤️