A Systematic Review of Prevalence Rates and Associated Factors of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the Young Adult Population

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.