Exploring the relationship between spousal violence during pregnancy

Gender-based violence is a widespread and serious abuse of human rights that affects more than one in three women globally. Research from multiple settings suggests that women who experience gender-based violence from an intimate partner tend to have lower utilisation of reproductive health services, often including decreased use of contraceptives that require the cooperation of male partners. Evidence of differential contraceptive choices in circumstances of spousal abuse suggests that women who have experienced violence may have a higher reliance on non-partner dependent contraceptive methods, many of which can be used covertly. Understanding the relationship between spousal violence during pregnancy and subsequent postpartum contraceptive use in India is important not only to support healthy pregnancy spacing, but also to ensure that the method mix is able to support the potentially differential needs of women who have, and have not, experienced spousal violence during pregnancy. This information can guide health care protocols to ensure that contraceptive counseling offers information relevant to women who may have experienced spousal violence during pregnancy, particularly in the context of postnatal care.