Reproductive Coercion and Interpersonal Violence Victimization Experiences Among College Students

Abstract

Reproductive coercion is behavior, typically perpetrated by a partner, that interferes with autonomous reproductive decision making, often through pregnancy coercion and/or contraceptive interference. Existing literature suggests that reproductive coercion is associated with intimate partner violence in the general population and among college women. However, there is limited research regarding the prevalence and correlates of reproductive coercion in college populations, especially regarding interpersonal violence victimization other than intimate partner violence. To fill this gap in knowledge, this study investigated the relationship between reproductive coercion and multiple forms of interpersonal violence victimization (sexual harassment, sexual abuse, physical partner abuse, psychological partner abuse, stalking, bullying, and polyvictimization). We conducted a secondary analysis of anonymous survey data, which were collected in fall 2015 with college students at a large public university in the southeast United States. The analysis sample was limited to cisgender college students endorsing at least one sexual partner in the past year ( N = 431). Most (67.05%) participants indicated that they had experienced at least one form of interpersonal violence victimization, and 39.91% indicated that they had experienced polyvictimization. About 11% of the sample indicated that they had experienced reproductive coercion. Logistic regression analyses showed that reproductive coercion was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing polyvictimization and all interpersonal violence victimization experiences except for physical partner abuse while controlling for demographic factors. Health providers, especially those working with college populations, could consider screening for reproductive coercion, to meet students’ reproductive health needs and uncover associated interpersonal violence victimization experiences.

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