The overlooked relationship between subtle partner sexual violence and sexual dysfunction?

Abstract

Abstract Partner violence is a serious threat to the welfare of women. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of all types of partner sexual violence, including the subtle type, in the occurrence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and changes in exposure frequency of partner sexual violence after the emergence of SD in our sample. The study included 80 women with SD who applied to the SD outpatient clinic (Group 1), 80 women without SD (Group 2), and 40 women with SD and did not apply to the clinic (Group 3). The violence experienced by women was measured with scales. The highest partner violence before SD was found in Group 3 and the lowest in Group 1 (p < 0.05). Women in groups 1 and 3 reported a significant increase in the frequency of all forms of sexual violence after the onset of SD (p < 0.05 for both). Women with SD according to FSFI were found to suffer from partner sexual violence at a 12.65 times greater rate than those without SD (p < 0.001). Our research shows that subtle partner sexual violence may also play a role in the emergence of SD. LAY SUMMARY Women experience partner sexual violence through implied and threatening manipulations rather than physical bullying. We aimed to show that these tactics are not as innocent as it seems. They affect women’s sexual health and relationship quality. In our research, we found that all kinds of sexual coercion are related to sexual problems, and women who have sexual problems are exposed to sexual coercion more.