Did you know these Domestic Violence Statistics?
Many folks who experience domestic violence may experience reproductive coercion as a part of the abuse they endure. Reproductive coercion involves a pattern or series of behaviors an abusive partner may use to maintain power and control over their partner’s reproductive health – interfering with their ability to make their own decisions over their body and health care. This puts their health and safety at risk. Reproductive coercion can present itself in a variety of different ways.
Some of these ways include
Pressuring their partner to engage in sexual activity when they don’t want to.
Intentionally exposing their partner to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
Limiting access to medical appointments regarding reproductive health.
It is found that 55% of women living with HIV have experience domestic violence, while women who are not positive experience domestic violence at about half that rate.
African-American women reported higher rates of victimization [of domestic violence] than women of other races.
1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
People of all gender identities, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity are at risk of experiencing domestic violence and therefore may experience reproductive coercion. It is important to note however that certain groups may be impacted greater than others.
Information sourced from Purple for Peace magazine