The article reports on a study that explored the relationship between child abuse and neglect, other traumatic events, background variables, and HIV status as they related to the continuum of conflict in adulthood, specifically verbal conflict and physical abuse that could increase women's risk for domestic violence. The sample included 135 African American women, ages 19 to 61, of mixed HIV serostatus. Almost half of the women had experienced both physical and verbal conflict and moderate to severe levels of physical abuse with current or recent intimate partners. Women with histories of child abuse were more likely to experience partner violence as adults. Other traumatic events were not associated with partner violence. Income and HIV status were related to specific patterns of partner violence. Lack of opportunity early in life was associated with numerous difficulties, including potential exposure to other forms of trauma. Overall, women who were raised in environments that included financial and familial instability continued to experience not only financial problems, but also social instability, including trauma and legal problems. Tables, references