The Impact of Reproductive Coercion on Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Female Students

Background

Reproductive autonomy is comprised of the ability to control decisions around contraceptive use, pregnancy intention, and birth.  Many factors influence one’s ability to achieve and maintain reproductive autonomy, including freedom from reproductive coercion. Reproductive coercion is a type of controlling behavior and can occur when a partner sabotages contraceptive use, or pressures their partner to either initiate or terminate a pregnancy.  Women who experience coercion may also face other types of violence within their intimate relationships. However, limited research has explored these in relation to reproductive coercion. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between reproductive coercion and controlling behaviors on intimate partner violence victimization among young women in intimate relationships in the rural Southern United States.

Methods

The present study examined the impact of reproductive coercion and controlling behaviors on intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among a university young adult female population. Questionnaires were administered to undergraduate students who self-identified as being in an intimate relationship within the last six months. Questionnaires included demographic information, the Reproductive Autonomy Scale, the Revised Controlling Behaviors Scale, and the Dating Violence Scale. IRB approval was obtained for all study procedures.

Results

The sample consists of 311 heterosexual females students in a rural setting within the United States. The sample has a mean age of 19.95 years (SD = 3.162). Approximately 81% of the sample reported using some form of contraception. Participants revealed rates of IPV victimization overall (physical 15%, psychological 31%, and sexual 11%). Multiple regression analysis showed that female participants who experienced reproductive coercion were significantly more likely to experience physical and sexual victimization within their intimate relationships. Further analysis revealed that females who experience controlling behaviors within a relationship were more likely to be victims of emotional partner violence. These findings suggest that women who experience reproductive coercion and controlling behaviors were more likely to experience three types of violence victimization (physical, sexual, and emotional) within their intimate relationships.

Implications

Experiencing reproductive coercion will decrease one’s ability to control both the use of contraception and pregnancy intention, and may also result in experiencing other types of violence in a relationship.  Social work practitioners should use screenings that incorporate questions addressing reproductive decision-making and the presence of coercion and other types of controlling behaviors.  Community programs aimed at preventing intimate partner violence should include comprehensive sex education focusing on reproductive autonomy and controlling behaviors in relationships. Future research should examine effect prevention efforts aimed at decreasing reproductive coercion in diverse populations and settings.