Sexual Health and Dissociative Experiences among Abused Women; Summary

This study sheds light on the widespread nature of violence against women and the challenges inherent in protecting their reproductive health especially the sexually transmitted infections that are a major public health concern that have been linked to intimate partner violence. The purpose of this article was to increase an understanding of the psychological factors that impact women's adoption of safer sex practices and hence our capacity to design more successful preventative programs. It observes that women suffering IPV frequently lack the means to safely decline sex or fight for safe sex, which increases the hazards for women when the partner acts aggressively (Sutherland et al., 2014). Possible inability to negotiate safe sex practices, especially with respect to condom use, may be a result of psychological and emotional scars sustained as a result of being in a violent relationship thus impacting a woman's propensity to engage in safer sex, since the two are connected to her incapacity to participate in preventive sexual health practices. 

Also Read: Nursing PICO Questions Help 

The findings show that there are recurring themes among the participants' knowledge of the hazards of STIs and unwanted pregnancies, but their inability to consistently execute measures to mitigate those risks. Sutherland et al (2014) stress how common it is for participants to lose concentration in everyday situations and private interactions and medical professionals caring for women who are experiencing or have suffered violence in their life should be aware of the potential effects on reproductive and mental health. Self-sufficiency in terms of self-care and the capacity to manage reproductive decisions and sexual activity is essential to women's physical and emotional well-being. Women who have access to quality healthcare may feel more confident in their capacity to make decisions and deal with dissociative symptoms, coercion, and relationship pressure.

References

Sutherland, M. A., Fantasia, H. C., & Adkison, L. (2014). Sexual health and dissociative experiences among abused women. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 35(1), 41-49.