Barriers to sexual and reproductive health care for women survivors of intimate partner violence

Negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes are highly preventable and treatable. However, barriers to quality sexual and reproductive health care hinder women’s access to interventions. This research extends our knowledge of the barriers to seeking and obtaining sexual and reproductive health care among survivors of intimate partner violence in the southwestern and midwestern United States, elucidating survivors’ stories of accessing and participating in such care. Findings centered on four major themes. First, abusive partners’ controlling and jealous tactics prevented survivors from accessing timely sexual health care. Second, cognitive and affective barriers of shame, fear, and guilt led survivors to avoid or delay sexual health care. Third, resource-related barriers, such as unemployment, uninsured or underinsured status, unstable housing, and limited transportation and childcare, prevented survivors from accessing services. Finally, the health care system created structural and provider-related barriers, leading to health care service gaps. Practice and policy implications are specifically discussed for medical and public health social workers and allied professionals.