Teen pregnancy and sexual abuse: Exploring the connection

Young Women's Degree of Control over First Intercourse: An Exploratory Analysis

“…One hypothesis is that a high level of sexual activity among young women who have been abused, together with feelings of powerlessness about sex, puts teenage women at greater risk for pregnancy. 22 In addition, young women who have undergone developmentally inappropriate sexual socialization may have altered concepts of self and others resulting from adaptations and compromises that were needed for psychological survival.…”

Sexual coercion and reproductive health: A focus on research

“…Victimization may also lead indirectly to unwanted pregnancy through the unresolved feelings and behavior patterns that past abuse creates. Two of the most commonly documented consequences of sexual abuse are early onset of sexual activity and an inability to distinguish sexual from affectionate behavior (Donaldson, Whalen and Anastas, 1989;Browne and Finkelhor, 1986;Riggs, Alario and McHorney, 1990). Frequently, the shame and stigma that abuse survivors experience leave them feeling vulnerable, unloved and unable to say "no" to things they do not want to do, such as having sex or using drugs.…”

Prevalence of Child and Adult Sexual Abuse and Risk Taking Practices Among HIV Serodiscordant African-American Couples

“…Lower condom self-efficacy has also been reported [ 50 ]. Women with histories of CSA may also be likely to have more sexual partners [ 49 , 51 , 52 ] and report higher rates of sexual revictimization [ 27 , 32 , 53 ]. Conversely, once women with CSA histories become infected with HIV, they may be less likely to engage in regular sexual activity with partners [ 36 ].…”