Future directions for violence against women and reproductive health: science, prevention, and action.

Despite the recognition that violence may be associated with serious consequences for women's reproductive health, the understanding of the relationship between the two remains limited, as does our understanding of the most effective role for reproductive health care providers and services. This paper briefly summarizes the history of the nexus of public health, health care, and violence against women in the United States. In addition, we present some considerations for future directions for research, health care practice, and policy that will advance the understanding of the complex relationship between violence and reproductive health.