Intimate Partner Violence Negatively Impacts Women´s Sexual Functioning

What is it about?

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) constitutes a global public health problem and a violation of human rights, particularly for women, as data confirms that they suffer the highest rates and the most severe forms of this type of violence. Global estimates indicate that almost one-third of women between the ages of 15 and 49 who have been in a relationship have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their partner. While the consequences for physical and mental health are widely known, IPV also inflicts damage on the sexual health of victims, although this has been less investigated. No systematic study addressing the effect of intimate partner violence on sexual health was found until 2007, with research limited to investigating only the consequences of physical violence. With the aim of reporting the consequences of intimate partner violence on sexual well-being, this study conducted a systematic review of studies published between 2018 and 2023 that examined the relationship between IPV and women's sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction. The results indicate that intimate partner violence (both psychological and physical) is negatively associated with sexual health, impairing dimensions such as sexual desire, sexual arousal, or orgasmic capacity; furthermore, it implies lower sexual satisfaction and lower satisfaction with the partner relationship in women. These findings were observed in studies conducted in different regions of Africa, Asia, America, and Europe, confirming that this is a global public health issue.

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Photo by Sydney Latham on Unsplash

Photo by Sydney Latham on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This systematic review emphasizes the urgency for further investigation into the impact of IPV on sexual health, including clinical and judicial samples, and the use of standardized assessment instruments. It is crucial for promoting sexual health that IPV assessment and intervention programs include victims' sexual function and satisfaction.

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