GRSJ224/IPV contraceptives

Domestic Violence and the use of Contraceptives in Developing Countries

Relationship between Domestic Violence and Contraceptives

Dominant Theory:

There are a couple of conflicting theories as to what the relationship between contraceptives and domestic violence is. Research in rural India showed that women were less likely to use contraceptives if they had experienced any type of intimate partner violence (i.e. physical, emotional, sexual) (RURALCITE). This was thought to be due to the fact that women who are abused are more fearful of the potential consequences of overt or covert contraceptive use. Also, these women who are abused are more likely to have a lower education, live in rural areas, be Muslim, or be of lower socioeconomic status. Women of those demographics usually have more limited access to contraceptives as well. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, it was found that women that had been subjected to intimate partner violence were subsequently more likely to resort to contraceptive use. Although researchers were unable to find a direct causal link for why this result might have occurred, it has been theorized that these women use contraceptives in order to avoid raising a child in a destructive home environment (AFRICACITE).

Reverse-Causal Link:

One limitation of these studies is the possibility of a reverse-causal link between domestic violence and the use of contraceptives. In theory, husbands could be resorting domestic violence after discovering covert contraceptive use by their spouse, which would explain the correlation.

Domestic Violence and Evolutionary Ties

Researchers have theorized that domestic violence may occur as a result of tens of thousands of years of evolution of the male brain. Feminist theory states that males feel the need to control their partners sexuality, and often resort to physical violence. Evolutionary theory is in agreement, as it has been found that domestic violence occurs as a result of reproductive uncertainty. Prehistoric males feared that their partner might be mating with others, which made them uncertain whether or not they were the father of their child. As there were no paternity tests or other methods to prove otherwise, men resorted to using physical violence in order to control their partners sexuality and ensure that their genes are passed on. These men were more likely to pass on their genes, therefore their inherited behaviour was passed down and still exists today.

Negative Outcomes of Domestic Violence

The consequences of domestic violence are numerous as well as intergenerational in many developing countries.

Physical Health Effects:

Domestic violence results in negative health effects that extend far beyond the actual time of abuse. Battered women in the US are injured more often in the head, neck, thorax, breasts, and abdomen than other women seeking medical attention. Intimate partner violence has also been linked to an increase in gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, suppression of the immune system, and more.

Mental Health Effects:

Abused women are more likely to suffer from a multitude of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as an increase in suicidal tendencies.

Effects on Fetal Health:

Abuse during pregnancy can result in sexually-transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, substance abuse, depression, and more. All of these consequences are associated with negative health outcomes for fetal health.

Demographics

Male:

The characteristics linked to increased domestic violence were usually from the men rather than the women, and included: arrest, substance abuse, low education, and unemployment. In the US alone, murder by the hands of an intimate partner on women accounts for 40-60% of total murders.

Female:

In terms of contraceptive use,