- Around 40% of women consulting for reproductive health have experienced or are experiencing violence from their partner. ¹
- Women victims of domestic violence have 2.5 times more termination of pregnancy (IG) than women who do not experience it, and they use less method of contraception.²
- Contraceptive coercion, which represents a “series of behaviors that interfere with contraception and birth planning, while reducing women’s autonomy over their reproductive choices” is sometimes the only form of violence within the intimate relationship It can take different forms:
- Contraceptive sabotage, e.g. hiding or destroying contraception, piercing condoms, etc.
- Contraceptive control, e.g.: continuous and invasive monitoring of contraception by the intimate partner.
- Contraceptive interference, e.g. stealthing (practice meaning removing the condom without the consent of the other person).³
1 – Lévesque, S. and Rousseau, C. (2021). Reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence. An intervention guide intended for health professionals and stakeholders. Montreal: University of Quebec in Montreal. https://www.levesque.uqam.ca/wpcontent/uploads/BROCHURE_Coercion_V24fev.pdf
2- Pelizzari, M., Lazimi, G. and Ibanez, G. (2013). Voluntary termination of pregnancy and violence: qualitative study among general practitioners in Île-de-France. Mediterranean Clinics (n88). p. 69 to 78.
3 – Lévesque, S. and Rousseau, C. (2021). Reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence. An intervention guide intended for health professionals and stakeholders. Montreal: University of Quebec in Montreal. https://www.levesque.uqam.ca/wp-content/uploads/BROCHURE_Coercion_V24fev.pdf