<p> What Are Protective Factors?</p><p>Protective factors are factors that may lessen the likelihood of intimate partner violence victimization or perpetration from occurring. Protective factors exist at individual, relational, community, and societal levels. </p><p>Protective factors don’t have to be complicated things—they can be as simple as making sure that a person has an increased social support. Research reveals that increased social support significantly reduces the risk of poor mental health, poor physical health, anxiety, depression, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide attempts.</p><p>Protective factors for perpetration include: </p><p> Emotional health  Connectedness with friends and adults in the community </p><p>(*information based on material provided by the Center for Disease Control)</p><p> www.embracehope.org 513-361-2144</p>