In contrast to past studies, this study found that an increasing number of children independently increased the risk for IPV. The current study found a differing risk profile for IPV for women with and without children. In homes with children, the most significant IPV factors were the women's marital status, drinking habits, and mental health. The links between IPV and alcohol abuse and between IPV and mental disorder were greater for women with children. This suggests that either the underlying mechanisms responsible for IPV or the resulting consequences of IPV differ, based on whether children are present in the home; however, the direction of any cause-and-effect relationship is unclear. Poverty significantly increased the risk for IPV in homes without children, but not in homes with children. The finding of a magnified risk of drinking problems and poor mental health for abused women with children may have implications both for screening and intervention. The study analyzed data from a cross-sectional random sample of 6,836 women in southeastern Pennsylvania who were interviewed by telephone in 2004. This was part of the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation's Household Health Survey. IPV questions were asked only of the women and referred to IPV over the past 12 months perpetrated by either a current or former partner. Questions were also asked about the number and ages of children in the home, drinking habits, and any diagnosis of a mental health condition. 4 tables and 26 references