Pregnancy following partner rape: what we know and what we need to know

Abstract

Despite more than 30 years of research on violence against women and scores of publications on intimate partner violence during pregnancy and consequences for maternal and infant health, little is known about the incidence and outcomes of pregnancies that follow partner rape. The occurrence and consequences of partner rape and violence during pregnancy are reviewed as well as the one study identified on the characteristics and consequences of pregnancy following partner rape. Literature on unintended pregnancy and violence against women is also reviewed. Directions for future research are explored, including the need for studies that explore women's control of their sexuality within the context of intimate partner relationships, how and when to ask women about partner rape, and how to include males as the solution to ending rape.