Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Women who experience intimate partner violence are an underserved population at risk for cervical cancer, precipitated by their heightened risk for human papilloma virus (HPV) and underutilization of gynecological care. This pilot study describes the self-reported behaviors, levels of knowledge, and perceived self-efficacy with cervical cancer screening (i.e., Pap testing) and prevention (i.e., HPV vaccination) among survivors (N = 30) recruited from two domestic violence shelter organizations in the midwestern United States. Survey results indicate a need for increased knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer and prevention strategies among this population; only 23 percent (n = 7) participants reported an up-to-date Pap test and 17 percent (n = 5) participants reported HPV vaccination. Findings also indicate how theoretical constructs from the health belief model, together with feminist understandings of coercive control and empowerment, might explain survivors' proactive cervical health behaviors and offer insights for intervention.