Report on Reproductive Health and Domestic Violence: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Reproductive autonomy is a fundamental human right, integral to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). However, in abusive relationships, reproductive choices are often compromised through coercive control tactics, which constitute a form of domestic violence known as reproductive or sexual coercion.

Reproductive Coercion in Abusive Relationships

Reproductive coercion involves abusive partners exerting control over reproductive health decisions. Common manifestations include:

1. Hiding or tampering with birth control methods.
2. Pressuring partners to become pregnant against their will.
3. Preventing access to medical care or reproductive health services.

This form of abuse undermines survivors’ autonomy and violates their rights, directly impacting their health and well-being.

Role of Advocates in Supporting Survivors

Survivors may not always disclose experiences of reproductive coercion to advocates or healthcare providers. Therefore, it is critical for advocates to proactively provide information and resources related to:

• Birth control options.
• Safety planning.
• Access to reproductive health services.

By disseminating this information, advocates empower survivors to regain control over their reproductive choices, aligning with SDG 5 targets to eliminate violence against women and girls and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Conclusion

Providing accessible reproductive health information and support is a vital strategy to promote survivors’ health, safety, and autonomy. This approach contributes to the global agenda of sustainable development by advancing gender equality and improving health outcomes, thereby supporting the achievement of SDG 3 and SDG 5.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses reproductive health and access to birth control, which directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article highlights issues of domestic violence, reproductive coercion, and the importance of empowering survivors to make their own choices, which connects to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The issue of abusive relationships and domestic violence relates to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information, and education.
2. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.
3. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.7
   • Proportion of women of reproductive age who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.
   • The article implies the importance of access to birth control and reproductive health services as a measure of progress.
2. Indicators for SDG 5.2 and 5.6
   • Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
   • Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.
   • The article’s focus on reproductive coercion and survivors’ ability to make choices implies these indicators.
3. Indicator for SDG 16.1
   • Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
   • Prevalence of violence against women and girls, including domestic violence.
   • The article’s discussion on abusive relationships and domestic violence relates to measuring reductions in violence.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wscadv.org