Sexual Violence: Risk and Protective Factors Risk factors are
associated with a greater likelihood of sexual violence (SV)
perpetration. They are contributing factors and may or may not
be direct causes. Not everyone who is identified as "at risk"
becomes a perpetrator of violence. A combination of individual,
relational, community, and societal factors contribute to the
risk of becoming a perpetrator of SV. Understanding these
multilevel factors can help identify various opportunities for
prevention. NOTE: CDC focuses its efforts on preventing the
first-time perpetration of sexual violence. For information on
risk and protective factors related to victimization, see the
World Report on Violence and Health [PDF 247 KB]. Individual
Risk Factors - Alcohol and drug use - Coercive sexual fantasies
- Impulsive and antisocial tendencies - Preference for
impersonal sex - Hostility towards women - Childhood history of
sexual and physical abuse - Witnessed family violence as a child
- Association with sexually aggress