Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA; whether cohabiting or not) is a widespread public health issue which often results in serious physical and psychological harm. In the last 50 years, research has been dedicated to understanding IPVA, including its effects and why it takes place. Research has highlighted that individuals who experience or witness IPVA during childhood are more likely to become perpetrators or survivors of IPVA in the future which is referred to as intergenerational transmission. However, the mechanisms behind this are debated. There are several theories in the literature including Social Learning Theory and biological theory, which are among the more prominent. The social learning approach theorises that offspring learn the violent attitudes/behaviour from their environment, in particular their parent(s). However, this theory does not account for the offspring in violent homes who do not exhibit IPVA in their relationships, or those who do not grow up in violent homes who become perpetrators or survivors in the future. Recent findings suggest that IPVA is passed from parent to offspring through environmental factors, psychological factors, and underlying biological mechanisms including a genetic component. The studies on genetic liability and IPVA outcomes to date have largely involved twin studies with preliminary results. This study will expand on previous research and use a novel approach to explain why some offspring are at increased risk of perpetrating or suffering IPVA in their future relationships.