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the claim
Experiencing abuse makes an individual statistically more likely to become an abuser
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
Recorded sources
8 sources for · 0 against
Is it true that experiencing abuse makes an individual statistically more likely to become an abuser?
Yes. Extensive empirical literature supports the concept of the "cycle of violence," demonstrating that individuals who experience abuse or maltreatment in childhood face a statistically significantly higher likelihood of becoming perpetrators of abuse later in life.
Verdict: SUPPORTED · 8 sources for, 0 against · Last checked
The analysis
Judged against the evidence record for claims of this kind.
Evidence for · 8
Demonstrates that individuals who experienced child maltreatment have a substantially elevated risk of perpetrating child protection system-involved maltreatment themselves.
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JM, A., ES, G., DW, J., DB, P., DS, B., H, N., & L, S. (2021). Intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment in South Australia, 1986-2017: a retrospective cohort study.. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00024-4
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More for · 7
Finds consistent intergenerational transmission of abuse across multiple family informants.
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RSM, B., K, P., MS, T., J, L., LJM, v. d. B., LHCG, C. B., JR, v. G., LRA, A., MJ, B., BM, E., & MH, v. I. (2020). Intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment using a multi-informant multi-generation family design.. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225839
Shows that childhood maltreatment predicts an increased risk for physical intimate partner violence perpetration in adulthood.
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Díaz-Faes, D. A. & Widom, C. (2024). From childhood maltreatment to intimate partner violence perpetration: A prospective longitudinal examination of the role of executive functioning and self-esteem. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.015
Examines how experiences of parental physical abuse relate to adolescent aggression and the cycle of violence.
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Favre, C., Garrote, A., Kassis, W., Bacher, J., Wullschleger, A., Aksoy, D., Rubió, I., & Chen, I. (2024). The cycle of violence: effects of violence experience, behavior, and attitudes on adolescents’ peer rejection networks. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1359558
Identifies a positive correlation between childhood abuse and adult intimate partner violence perpetration.
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Jiang, C., Wan, G., Shi, J., & Mei, Y. (2025). The Cycle of Violence: Childhood Abuse, Illicit Drug Use and Adult Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.13272
Finds that a high percentage of male child sexual abuse victims subsequently engage in sexually offensive behavior.
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MAB, S., MR, S., M, M., MIA, T., MBU, K., & M, A. (2026). When Victims Become Abusers: A Study Among the Male Victims of Child Sexual Abuse in Bangladesh.. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605251318280
Identifies classes of parents where adverse childhood experiences are associated with the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment.
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M, J., S, K., EK, C., CG, P., & H, L. (2026). Risk and protective factors for the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment in South Korea: a secondary analysis of data from the Family with Children's Life Experience Survey.. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.4094/chnr.2026.009
Maps literature showing that exposure to maltreatment can be transmitted across generations.
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K, S., S, B., MT, W., I, V., & N, R. (2025). Intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment among Black families: A scoping review.. peer-reviewed literature. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107746
What does the evidence say?
Judged against the evidence record for claims of this kind.
Receipt History
first checked06 Aug 2026
judged → SUPPORTED · 8406 Aug 2026
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