Sexual Agency and Intimate Partner Violence: Navigating Risk and Resistance in Young Adulthood

Introduction: Sexual agency, the ability to recognize, communicate, and negotiate sexual boundaries, is central to relational well-being but may be compromised by experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). While IPV is known to erode sexual agency, emerging research suggests that sexual agency may also serve as a protective factor. This study explores the potential bidirectional relationship between IPV and sexual agency among young adults, considering how structural and demographic factors may shape this dynamic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between February and May 2022, involving 857 U.S.-based participants aged 18–20, who were recruited via social media. Participants completed validated measures of IPV (E-HITS scale) and sexual agency (Sexual Agency Questionnaire). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, multiple linear regressions, and moderation analyses were used to examine associations and interaction effects across key demographic variables. Results: Approximately one-third of participants reported experiencing IPV. Those without IPV histories reported significantly higher sexual agency scores. Regression models confirmed that IPV exposure was associated with lower sexual agency, even after adjusting for covariates. Moderation analyses revealed that higher education and racial minority status buffered the negative impact of IPV on agency. No significant moderation effects were found for gender identity, sexual orientation, or housing status. Conclusions: Findings suggest a bidirectional pattern may exist: while IPV is associated with diminished sexual agency, individuals with higher sexual agency also report lower IPV exposure. Policy Implications: Public health efforts should integrate sexual agency promotion into IPV education, intervention, and policy frameworks, especially those focused on young adults and structurally vulnerable populations.