The research found that some dimensions of empowerment reduced the risk of violence (women's ability to decide whether to work, when to have sexual relations, and the extent of their partners' participation in household chores). Other dimensions (women's decisionmaking regarding reproductive matters) increased such risk. Thus, access to resources meant to empower women did not automatically decrease the risk of violence. The authors examined the degree of women's empowerment and autonomy in relation to their partners. Logit regression analyses showed that variables significantly associated with physical violence varied between the three age groups studied, suggesting that women followed specific trajectories throughout their reproductive lives. Specific interventions tailored to each age group, aimed at breaking the cycle of violence are recommended. This study analyzed intimate partner violence against women aged 15 to 21, 30 to 34, and 45 to 49, based on the 2003 National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (in Spanish, ENDIREH) in Mexico. This was a 2003 survey, national in scope, which focused on domestic violence, and was the first countrywide, representative household-based survey that conducted home interviews with women aged 15 and older, either married or cohabitating with a primary partner. Tables, notes, references