Violence Against Women: Impact on Their Reproductive Health

Abstract

Violence against women is a devastating social problem which constitutes a serious health risk to the women. It occurs commonly in developing societies where gender roles are strictly defined and enforced. Studies exploring violence and women\'s health consistently report negative effect and have been shown to be associated with increase risk of having many children and limited control over sexual and reproductive health. Studies have found that women who experienced intimate partner abuse are more likely to have gynaecological problem than non- abused women.

Objective: The objective of this article review is to bring to focus the importance of re-addressing this important aspect of reproductive health issue in Nigeria. Source of material for this article are from learned journals and reports on the subject.

Conclusion: Violence against women is a major concern for women\'s health. The dehumanizing practices meted out on Women, all forms of taboo and harmful practices on pregnant women also pose risk to their lives and their unborn babies. The violent behaviour of rape and forced prostitution interfere with the women\'s abilities to control their sexual and reproductive lives. Female Genital Mutilation has been associated with a range of serious health problems including infections, chronic pains, sexual dysfunction and obstetric complications. Interventions can occur at all levels - primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Government and ministries of health should strengthen and coordinate systems for delivering prevention programmes as well as ensuring that relevant resources such as educational materials are consistently at local and national levels.

[Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004;21:61-64]