1 in 20 Australian women could have experienced some form of reproductive coercion from a partner

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-09-23 14:00

Australia; WA

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*** This media release contains information about family, domestic or sexual violence. If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call 1800 Respect National Helpline on 1800 737 732, the Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491, the Women's Crisis Line on 1800 811 811, or Lifeline on 131 114. ***

One in 20 women could have experienced reproductive coercion in Australia, according to a survey of women attending a WA sexual health clinic. 2623 women participated in the questionnaire, which asked them about their current and lifetime experiences of abuse, intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion - which includes a range of abusive behaviours aimed at controlling their reproductive freedom. 5.3% of participants reported having ever experienced reproductive coercion, the researchers say, and 17.3% reported having ever experienced intimate partner violence, a figure they say lines up with previous Australian research. The team say larger proportions of women in their study who were aged 35-54 years and living in middle-class areas reported abuse, which differs to previous research, and while they say this difference should be investigated it shows the importance of considering women from all walks of life as potentially at risk of intimate partner violence. Those who reported reproductive coercion were also more likely to report violence, the researchers say, and they add that medical professionals assisting women experiencing abuse should consider asking follow-up questions about reproductive coercion.