Senate Committee Hears About The Link Between Violence and Unintended Pregnancy
Ann Burke, R.N., M. Ed., testified last week at the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on “The Continued Importance of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).”
As part of her testimony, Ms. Burke, who is president and founder of the Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund in Rhode Island, cited Dr. Jay Silverman’s research on reproductive coercion. She noted, “Recent research has found a strong connection between violence among young people and poor reproductive health outcomes. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that one in three U.S. high school girls who has been abused by a boyfriend has become pregnant. By reducing dating violence, we can reduce unintended teen pregnancies.”
To view a webcast of the hearings, click here.
Every time I would confront him about his lies and unfaithfulness, he would force himself on me sexually. He always refused to wear a condom and would act offended when I suggested he use one."
