This study aimed to identify the characteristics of recidivist offenders in intimate partner violence (IPV) cases and relate recidivism risk factors to the psychosocial experiences of victims, thereby providing an evidence basis for victim protection, support, and practice-oriented intervention. The data consisted of 367 court decisions on IPV cases and 52 Crime Victim Impact Assessments. Recidivism risk factors were derived through analysis of court decisions, and psychosocial changes were examined based on victim statements in the Crime Victim Assessment Reports. Results showed that, compared with first-time offenders, recidivist offenders exhibited statistically significantly higher levels of planning, novel aggression, directly communicated threats, offender-related factors, environmental factors, and negative outcomes. Additionally, the recidivist offenders were characterized by choosing relatively older victims and having shorter relationships. Moreover, significant differences emerged across threat-assessment factors, highlighting the importance of identifying offender-related environmental factors. Regarding victim experiences, fear and anxiety about retaliation were prominent, along with deterioration in daily functioning and somatization due to re-victimization, self-blame, and anger toward oneself. Social harms were also observed, including relationship disruptions and difficulties in economic and work-related domains. These findings suggest that IPV risk assessment should integrate relationship variables (victim age and duration of the relationship), threatening behaviors, and offender-related and environmental factors. This study further recommends establishing a multi-dimensional support system that ensures personal safety, includes proactive intervention and restores social support in victim protection practice.
