Prevalence and the Interrelationship of Different Types of Intimate Partner Violence Among Racial and Ethnic College Students in the United States and Canada.

While studies have shown a heightened risk for intimate partner violence among racial and ethnic minority groups, other research has recognized that many individuals experience multiple forms of violence in an intimate relationship. Limited studies have highlighted these patterns among college students across different countries. This comparative study examined the prevalence and co-occurrence of intimate partner violence by utilizing the Spring 2019 cycle data of the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA II) survey collected in Canada and the United States. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, including chi-square test of independence and t-test, as well as multivariate logistic regression, were conducted. The results revealed higher prevalence rates of specific types of intimate partner violence in Canada compared to the United States, with many college students reporting emotional abuse. The prevalence of intimate partner violence also differs between racial and ethnic groups; a higher proportion of intimate victimization was found among racialized groups. The study further showed a co-occurrence pattern of emotional, sexual, and physical intimate partner violence that was more prevalent among Indigenous college students in the United States and Multiracial college students in Canada. This research highlights the vulnerability of racial and ethnic groups to intimate victimization and recognizes the need for culturally appropriate intervention and prevention efforts that may assist students within a college setting.