Investigating Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Reproductive Coercion Victimization Among Young Pregnant and Parenting Couples: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and reproductive coercion place young women at risk for poor health. However, very few studies have examined the associations between IPV victimization and reproductive coercion among young couples or investigated these associations longitudinally. Method: Data were collected during 2007-2011 from 296 pregnant adolescent and young couples enrolled in a prospective study. Couples were recruited at obstetrics and gynecology, and ultrasound clinics. Results: Using the actor-partner interdependence model, results indicate significant actor and partner effects for IPV victimization and reproductive coercion victimization. The actor's prebirth IPV victimization and the actor's and partner's reproductive coercion victimization in a past relationship related to reproductive coercion victimization in the current pregnancy. The partner's reproductive coercion victimization in the current pregnancy related to psychological IPV victimization at the 6-month follow-up, but this relationship dissipated at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: A complex, co-occurring relationship exists between IPV victimization and reproductive coercion among young pregnant and parenting couples. Young couples transitioning from pregnancy to parenthood who experience reproductive coercion may be at risk for IPV. Pregnancy and parenting programs targeting young couples should be sensitive to the relationship between IPV and reproductive coercion victimization.