Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among Chinese Young Adults: Profiles and Associated Health Problems

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is an important public health issue affecting the well-being of the young adults. However, there is little epidemiological evidence on the incidence and associated mental health problems of both intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization in Chinese context. Using one representative community sample of 1,227 young adults aged 18–27 years in 2016, this study aimed to examine the prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics, and possible mental health consequences of intimate partner violence among young adults in Hong Kong. It is found that the prevalence of preceding 1-year intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization was 5.3% and 9.1% respectively. The perpetrators were worse educated, unemployed, and married, while the victims were also unemployed and cohabited. Compared with those without involving in any intimate partner violence, perpetrators of intimate partner violence were more likely to engage in frequent smoking and alcohol use, and victims of intimate partner violence reported lower life satisfaction, more self-harm behaviors, higher suicide ideation and attempt, and heavy alcohol use. Both perpetrators and victims were more likely to report the worst mental health problems and high risky behaviors.