Intimate partner violence among international college students in the US

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/znma0b12

Keywords:

intimate partner violence, culture, international students, relationships, higher education

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV), although prevalent across the United States, is among the understudied topics in minority populations, such as international students on college campuses. The present study addresses the underexplored phenomenon of IPV among international college students, aiming to provide insights crucial for navigating relationships and educational pursuits. Utilizing data from the 2022 American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) involving 13,242 international students, this research aims to demonstrate the prevalence of IPV within this understudied group. The results revealed an overall IPV prevalence of 13.7% within the last 12 months, with verbal abuse emerging as the most prevalent form. Univariate logistic regression indicated greater risks for graduate students (OR = 1.191, p < 0.001) and those without current relationships (OR = 1.000, p < 0.001). The final model confirmed that graduate student status and being single were significant predictors. This highlights how cultural adaptation, societal adjustment, and isolation increase vulnerability. This research highlights the pressing need for tailored prevention and support mechanisms and advocates targeted interventions, such as relationship education during college orientation, to promote equity, belonging, and global engagement among international students.

Author Biographies

  • Kruti Chaliawala, Boise State University

    Dr. Kruti S. Chaliawala is an Assistant Professor at Boise State University. As a researcher in public and population health, her work bridges cultures, challenges disparities, and transforms narratives. An international scholar-turned-assistant professor at Boise State University, Dr. Chaliawala brings over a decade of lived experience as an international student to her research. She is a bold advocate for marginalized voices, especially those of international students, delving deep into psychosocial determinants of health, minority stress, sexual health, and mental well-being.

  • Rebecca A. Vidourek, University of Cincinnati

    Dr. Rebecca A. Vidourek is a Health Promotion and Education Professor at the University of Cincinnati. She is also the HPE graduate Program Coordinator and the Health Education Health Promotion Concentration Director for the Master of Public Health program. Her research emphases include child/adolescent health promotion, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, positive youth development, school health education, and violence prevention. 

  • Keith A. King, University of Cincinnati

    Dr. Keith A. King is a Professor and Director of the Center for Prevention Science. His research emphases include adolescent health promotion, suicide, violence and substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion, sexual health, survey development, and program evaluation. 

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Published

2025-11-27

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 12 (2025): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Chaliawala, K., Vidourek, R. A., & King, K. A. (2025). Intimate partner violence among international college students in the US. Journal of International Students, 15(12), 159-176. https://doi.org/10.32674/znma0b12