Abuse victims are commonly compelled to have unprotected sex

Approximately 25 percent of callers who report that they are domestically abused also experience "reproductive coercion," according to a recent report from the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH).

The NDVH defines reproductive coercion as threats or acts of violence against a partner’s reproductive health, which can include forced sex, pressuring a woman to become pregnant against her will and interference with the use of birth control.

The report stated that coerced female callers described instances of their male partners sabotaging their birth control methods by poking holes in condoms or disposing of their birth control pills.

The 3,000 surveyed callers represented a wide range of ages and ethnicities, though most were between 25 and 35 years of age and Caucasian.

Family Violence Prevention Fund President Esta Soler said she believes reproductive coercion is a serious issue because unprotected sex can result in unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

According to the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, STDs can be spread through the exchange of infected bodily fluids, including blood and genital secretions.

Individuals who have participated in unprotected sex and would like to be tested for STDs may consider using online testing services.