# Reproductive coercion and violence against women with unplanned pregnancies in Turkiye

## TL;DR

This study explores how reproductive coercion and violence affect women with unplanned pregnancies in Türkiye, finding significant associations and regional influences.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between reproductive coercion and violence against women in the context of unplanned pregnancies in Türkiye.

## Key findings

- 18.7% of women experienced reproductive coercion, and 17.1% were exposed to violence.
- Reproductive coercion and violence scores were significantly correlated (X2 = 25.173, p < 0.001).
- Regional and cultural factors significantly influenced reproductive coercion and violence levels.

## Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of reproductive coercion and violence on women with unplanned pregnancies in Türkiye.

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 with women who applied to the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic. Data were collected using the “Descriptive Information Form,” the “Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST),” and the “Reproductive Coercion Scale (RCS).

A total of 380 women were included in the study. It was found that 18.7% of women had experienced reproductive coercion, and 17.1% had been exposed to violence. A significant difference was observed between scores on the Reproductive Coercion Scale and the Violence Scale (X2 = 25.173, p < 0.001). Spouse’s alcohol consumption, reproductive coercion, residence, marital status, type of marriage, and pregnancy status together explained 27.8% of the variance in participants’ levels of violence.

The study demonstrated that women in Türkiye experienced reproductive coercion during their reproductive years and that there was an association between violence against women and reproductive coercion. Notably, reproductive coercion and violence appeared to be significantly influenced by regional and cultural factors, reflecting variations observed across different countries and societies.

¬ Violence against women is a major public health issue.

¬ The literature highlights that women who are exposed to violence may also experience reproductive coercion.

¬ The results indicated a significant relationship between violence against women and reproductive coercion.

¬ Reproductive coercion and violence were significantly influenced by regional and cultural differences.