Abstract
This systematic review synthesizes prevalence rates and associated factors of intimate partner violence (IPV) against emerging adult women (aged 18–30) belonging to the Millennial and Generation Z cohorts. Following PRISMA guidelines, a search of Web of Science, PsycINFO and Scopus was conducted for the period between January 2013 and November 2025. Twenty-six studies from 20 high-income and 6 upper-middle-income Western countries met the inclusion criteria. Findings reveal significant methodological heterogeneity, with lifetime IPV prevalence ranging from 0.16% to 58.42% and 12-month rates from 5.1% to 33.6%. Notably, women aged 18 to 30 consistently ranked among the highest-prevalence groups, often exceeding WHO estimates despite shorter cumulative exposure. Psychological violence was the most prevalent subtype. Key associated factors included individual vulnerabilities (mental health, substance use, non-heterosexual orientation and childhood abuse), specific relational dynamics (economic dependence, “dirty dating,” digital surveillance, breakup-reconciliation cycles and parenthood) and broader contexts such as neighbourhood deprivation, access to resources and help-seeking behaviour and the “Nordic Paradox” or backlash against gender equality. These findings highlight emerging adulthood as a critical period of vulnerability, necessitating targeted, generationally relevant interventions that address the unique developmental and digital risks of this cohort.
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