Interpersonal Violence Victimization Among College-Attending and Non-College-Attending Emerging Adults

Abstract

It is well-established that rates of interpersonal violence (IV; physical and emotional intimate partner violence [IPV], non-consensual sexual contact [NCSC], and stalking) peak at 18–24 years of age. Most emerging-adult IV research has been conducted with college samples, making increased risk for IV in college a widely held, but perhaps unjustified, assumption. This nationally representative study (N = 1025) assessed high school seniors on IV victimization and re-assessed them the spring following college enrollment (n = 779) or non-enrollment (n = 246). Replicating prior research, we found few differences in prevalences of IV among college-attending and non-attending emerging adults. After controlling for demographics and baseline victimization, only clinically significant (impactful) physical IPV victimization differed between groups, with college conveying a protective effect (OR = .38, 95% CI: .15 – .99). Explication of proximal and distal factors that inform risk for IV among emerging adults on different trajectories is essential for improved prevention and response.

Keywords

interpersonal violence victimization college nonconsensual sexual contact dating violence

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