Prevalence of Sexual Assault, Stalking, And Intimate Partner Violence Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Experiences of Violent Victimization: Who Are Emerging Adults? Emerging adulthood is a specific developmental period that covers 18- to 25-year olds and emphasizes this age as one of self-identity exploration paired with greater independence. While many experiences during this time are positive steps into increased responsibilities of adulthood, they also can place emerging adults at risk for victimization. Most of what we know about emerging adults emphasizes those attending college. This focus ignores about 40% of emerging adults who do not attend college and are a population who may be at greater risk for victimization. A new study highlights non-college attending emerging adults and their experience with IPV, stalking and sexual assault. The key findings are summarized below as they contribute to our understanding about violent victimization among this population. [CVRL Note: see also the other fact sheet by Dr. Lynn Addington that examines help-seeking of emerging adults victims, focusing on those who are not in college.] (NCVC Text)