Reproductive and Sexual Coercion: An Intimate form of Abuse

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pattern of abusive and coercive behaviors that may include physical injury, psychological abuse, sexual assault, isolation, stalking, intimidation, and threats with the intention to gain and maintain control over their partner.  Reproduction and sexual coercion are behaviors used to maintain power and control over a partner’s reproductive health.  Research has shown that experiencing IPV may put women at higher risk for experiencing reproductive and sexual coercion. This training will define reproductive/sexual coercion, discuss the various tactics perpetrators use to control their partner’s reproductive/sexual health and autonomy and outline ways that staff can effectively screen for, and respond to, signs of reproductive coercion.

Objectives:

• Understand the dynamics of abuse and violence including how gaining and maintaining power over and control of a partner is utilized

• Identify behaviors that are categorized as reproductive or sexual coercion such as birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure and sexual coercion

• Learn ways to address and screen for reproductive/sexual coercion