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Sexual Function and Relationship Satisfaction Among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this study was to review the recent literature on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual health in women (including sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction).

Recent Findings

IPV harms women’s health, including their sexual health. Of the negative consequences, IPV is associated with worse sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction.

Summary

Recent findings show that IPV is associated with worse sexual functioning (i.e., partner-focused dyadic and general sexual desire, sexual arousal, and orgasmic capacity), low sexual satisfaction, and low relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, only eight studies have been published in the last 10 years. Although very few articles were identified to have assessed the relation between IPV and sexual health aspects in the literature, it can be stated that IPV is related to worse sexual health in women victims.

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  1. Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, S/N, 18011, Granada, Spain

    Juan Carlos Sierra, Ana Álvarez-Muelas & María del Mar Sánchez-Fuentes

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Sierra, J.C., Álvarez-Muelas, A. & Sánchez-Fuentes, M.d.M. Sexual Function and Relationship Satisfaction Among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence. Curr Sex Health Rep 15, 280–290 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-023-00375-w

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