This page contains references to violence against women. We know this may be distressing, so please look after yourself. If you, or someone you know needs crisis support please call 1800 Respect or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Across the world, many women and girls face a kind of violence that is often invisible. It does not always leave bruises. It does not always involve shouting or force. But it can shape a woman’s entire life.
This is reproductive violence.
It happens when someone else controls a woman’s choices about pregnancy, contraception, or her own body.
Reproductive violence takes many forms, and some are so common that people do not always recognise them as violence.
What reproductive violence can look like
- It can be a husband using violence to prevent his wife using contraception.
- It can be a girl being pushed into pregnancy before she is ready.
- It can be a boyfriend secretly removing a condom.
- It can be a survivor of rape told she must continue a pregnancy.
All of this is reproductive violence.
All of it takes away a woman’s right to make decisions about her own life.
The impact on women and girls
Women tell MSI teams that men’s use of violence leaves them feeling trapped and alone.
Many say they have to hide their contraception because their partners would punish them for using it. Some feel they have no control at all over if or when they become pregnant.
Reproductive violence affects health, safety, education, and the future of entire families. It steals time, opportunities, and confidence.
It makes women feel like they do not matter.
How MSI responds
MSI teams see the impact of reproductive violence every day.
We listen without judgement.
We provide contraception women can trust.
We offer care after rape.
We deliver safe abortion care when allowed.
We provide women the information they were never told they had a right to know.
Reproductive violence takes away a woman’s power to choose. Your support can help give it back.
Your gift today can help provide safe abortions, contraception, and pro-choice counselling for women experiencing reproductive violence.
Please donate today so more women can feel safe, heard, and free to choose.
