Reproductive Health and Partner Violence Guidelines: An Integrated Response to Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive Coercion

This guide focuses on the transformative role of the reproductive health care provider in identifying and addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) and reproductive coercion. The Guidelines offer a discussion on the magnitude of IPV and reproductive coercion; overview of the health impact; guidelines for implementing routine assessment and intervention; policy implications and system responses; and provides validated assessment tools. The Guidelines specifically examine how IPV and reproductive coercion impact contraceptive use and birth control sabotage; condom use; unintended pregnancy; and the role of pregnancy coercion, including exposure to STIs. The latest data in each of these areas is explored, in addition to identifying tools such as safety cards, posters and documentation forms to help launch health care responses. The goal of this resource is to reframe the way in which health care systems respond to intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion such that the reproductive health care provider is the hub in a wheel of a trauma-informed, coordinated health care response.