"Exposing Reproductive Coercion” Toolkit & Brochures Published

ATLANTA - Feb. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- The Feminist Women’s Health Center of Atlanta, Georgia in collaboration with The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Organization for Men Against Sexism has published a toolkit for clinicians, domestic violence workers, and women impacted by Reproductive Coercion, a form of Intimate Partner Violence. This toolkit provides credible, unbiased information for women as well as individuals working in the domestic violence and reproductive health fields.

“We were excited to be able to distribute the “Exposing Reproductive Coercion” toolkit, at the One Billion Rising event in Atlanta, which is part of the worldwide campaign to end violence against women and girls,” said Kwajelyn Jackson, Community Education & Advocacy Manager of Feminist Women’s Health Center (FWHC).

The toolkit defines reproductive coercion as the behavior used to pressure or coerce a woman into becoming pregnant or into continuing or ending a pregnancy against her will, through the use of manipulation, intimidation, threats, and/or actual acts of violence. Women victimized by reproductive coercion may not recognize that these behaviors as abusive, particularly if there is no history of physical or sexual violence in their relationship previously.

Reports show that women experiencing reproductive coercion by their intimate partners have an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy as a result of pregnancy pressure and birth control sabotage. “We’re glad to have the opportunity to educate the community about reproductive coercion to help them recognize abusive behaviors in relationships and encourage them to take the steps to protect themselves and their reproductive autonomy,” said Janelle Yamarick, FWHC’s Executive Director.

Also available in both english and spanish is a corresponding brochure, "Recognizing & Addressing Reproductive Coercion: A Guide for Women." Educating women about reproductive coercion can help them recognize abusive behaviors in their own relationships and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their reproductive autonomy.

A digital copy of the toolkit and brochures are available online: www.feministcenter.org/community-education/reproductive-coercion

Hard copies of the toolkit and brochures can be acquired by contacting Jaime Chandra, marketing@feministcenter.org

Since 1977, the Feminist Women's Health Center (FWHC) has strived to empower women and vulnerable communities through service, education, and advocacy. As Atlanta's leading non-profit women's health resource, we have earned an outstanding reputation for providing quality care and community education, while advocating for improved women's health and expanding our reach to women of color, immigrant and LGBT communities. For more information about the Feminist Women’s Health Center, visit www.feministcenter.org or www.feministcenter.org/about-fwhc/media-center