Incarceration as a Minor and Adult Violence Victimization: Population-Based Evidence From Four U.S. States

This study examined whether incarceration before age 18 is associated with adult physical violence, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Using cross-sectional survey data from the 2025 VEX surveys in California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas ( N = 7,040), we estimated adjusted prevalence ratios using multivariable Poisson regression. Compared with never-incarcerated respondents, individuals first incarcerated as minors had a higher prevalence of physical violence, sexual violence, and IPV victimization. Similar associations were observed among those first incarcerated in adulthood. Findings suggest that incarceration is associated with greater vulnerability to violence victimization during adulthood, regardless of age at first incarceration.