Patterns of interpersonal violence and contexts of risk: A latent class analysis

Abstract

Survivors of interpersonal violence often report experiencing multiple forms of violence during their lifetime. These exposures to violence are often interconnected with contextual factors being an understudied contributor to these associations. Using a large sample of women aged 18-25 (N=1,303), a latent class analysis was employed to explore patterns of polyvictimization of dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. Five classes of survivors emerged with each having distinct patterns of victimization: Universal Polyvictimization, Repeated Relational Victimization, Repeated Sexual Victimization, Single Sexual Assault, and Controlling Encounters. Groups varied by outcomes (e.g., mental health, academic disengagement) and associated contexts of risk (e.g., peer norms, alcohol use, Greek affiliation). Chronic exposure to violence was associated with peers’ acceptance of violent beliefs, and alcohol use and participation in a Greek organization were associated to sexual assault victimization. Potential explanations for these differences in victimization and contextual factors are discussed.