On the linkage between sexual violence victimization and intimate partner violence outcomes among male and female college students

Abstract

Purpose

A robust literature exists documenting the association between child maltreatment and later life adverse outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between sexual abuse victimization and later life intimate partner violence (IPV) outcomes among male and female college students, which has been less frequently evaluated despite this wealth of evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

Relying on data from 4,162 male and female college students, the current study provides a multivariate analysis of the linkage between sexual abuse victimization and intimate partner victimization, perpetration, and being an IPV victim-offender.

Findings

Results reveal a statistically significant association between sexual abuse victimization and being an IPV victim, offender, or victim-offender in young adulthood. In addition, these findings are still observed once a host of risk and the demographic factors are incorporated into the model for females, but not for males.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of sexual violence and IPV prevention and intervention strategies for college-aged youth.

Citation

Meade, C.N., Jennings, W.G., Gover, A.R. and Richards, T.N. (2017), "On the linkage between sexual violence victimization and intimate partner violence outcomes among male and female college students", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 257-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-05-2017-0289