Which physical health outcome is more likely among sexual violence victims?

• A. Unplanned pregnancies
• B. Reduced anxiety
• C. Decreased injury
• D. Improved fertility

Answer: (A)

Sexual violence disrupts a person’s control over their reproductive choices, making unplanned pregnancies more likely. When sex is forced or coerced, negotiating contraception or using birth control consistently is often not possible. Abusers may interfere with contraception, or the survivor may be too traumatized or distressed to maintain regular use, all of which raise the risk of an unintended pregnancy.

In contrast, reduced anxiety is not a typical outcome after sexual violence; this experience generally elevates anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and other mental health challenges. Decreased injury and improved fertility do not align with the pattern observed after such violence, where physical harm is common and there is no mechanism by which fertility would be enhanced.

So, among the options, unplanned pregnancies reflect a common reproductive health consequence linked to sexual violence.