About
About the Network
The Reproductive Violence Research Network is an interdisciplinary, global network of scholars, policymakers and community sector workers with an interest in reproductive violence. Our goal is to create interdisciplinary connections, share ideas and foster research collaboration opportunities, promote new research across the network, and increase the visibility of our members’ work. The RVRN is hosted by the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at The University of Melbourne, Australia.
What is Reproductive Violence?
Reproductive violence is any type of abusive behaviour relating to reproduction or reproductive health. It includes:
Reproductive coercion and abuse – Any deliberate attempt to dictate a person’s reproductive choices or interfere with their reproductive autonomy. It can include physical, psychological or sexual tactics and occurs in a context of fear and/or control, usually in an interpersonal relationship (e.g. intimate partner, family member).
Obstetric violence – Violence against women perpetrated by healthcare providers during pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period. It can include mistreatment, physical abuse, neglect, and non-consensual procedures or treatments.
Reproductive health coercion – Studies show that health services and systems can behave in ways that are coercive and harmful to people seeking reproductive healthcare, particularly in regard to contraception. People with disabilities, Indigenous and First Nations peoples, and younger people can be at particularly high risk.
Conflict-related reproductive violence – The use of sexual and reproductive violence (e.g. forced pregnancy) as a strategy of war or genocide.
Whilst we recognise that these issues are primarily perpetrated against women, we acknowledge that reproductive violence can also be perpetrated against men and gender-diverse people. Our network is interested in reproductive violence against any individual.
Network Coordinator
The Reproductive Violence Research Network is coordinated by Associate Professor Laura Tarzia, The University of Melbourne. Laura leads a research program focused on sexual and reproductive violence with a particular interest in reproductive coercion and abuse.