Impact of Violence on Sexual & Reproductive Health, Health Outcomes affected by Intimate Partner Violence and Social/Cultural Factors

Abstract

This research paper reviews different forms of violence and their impact on women's physical, psychological and sexual form. It discusses the gender based violence which is most commonly known as violence against women and its impact on the reproductive health. Sexual assault or violence takes place when the victim does not consent or refuses to engage in the sexual activity and is intentionally being forced, exploited or threatened in some way. This study covers the effects of sexual violence and its reproductive health issues, the health outcomes by this violence, Intimate partner violence (IPV) and how social and cultural factors affect these outcomes.

Abstractii

Introduction1

Example2

Community and societal level factors5

Impact of Violence on Sexual & Reproductive Health, Health Outcomes affected by Intimate Partner Violence and Social/Cultural Factors

Introduction

Violence against women is a significant global health problem leading to violation of women's human rights. According to United Nation report (2002), gender based assaults and violence result in physical, emotional, sexual harm and also includes threats of coercion, deprivation or removal of freedom in both public and personal life. According to (2009), Gender based violence occurs as a cause and consequence of gender inequalities. Sexual assault and abuse is a crime of violence which affects a women's physical and psychological health associated with risk which may have immediate and long term consequences on reproductive health. According to research report (2002), focuses upon reproductive health against sexual violence shows us that one in every three women globally has experienced some form of gender-based abuse during their lifetime. Millions of girls are suffering from sexual violence and gender based violence worldwide. It has been observed that women in majority cases go through violence physically sexually and emotionally because of their husbands or in intimate relationships.

Discussions

Sexual violence and Reproductive Health

The World Health Organization defines sexual violence as a wide range of acts or sexual comments directed to a person against their sexuality using force (coercion). This can be committed by any person who may or may not be related to the victim.

Sexual violence is the most extreme form accompanied by emotional, psychological, social and physical outcomes.It has a lot of far reaching effects on the society today. It can result in many health problems like a women's physical and gynecological health.. According to World health organization (2006), explains reproductive health as a state where a woman has complete physical, social, mental freedom to choose when to decide on the reproducing act and its related functions. It is a state where there is a freedom of mental and social well being and to decide on satisfying and safe sex life. Women around the world are unaware of the reproductive health resources due to illiteracy rate around the world, different social practices against females and violence against women within the society.

Example

Kenya which is located in South Africa, has been under offensive and strict cultural regulation that continues sexual ...