Join us on Wednesday, June 3rd, as the AVA Webinar Series presents Reproductive Violence, featuring Dr. Sylvie Lévesque from Applied and Interdisciplinary Research on Intimate, Family, and Structural Violence.
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026
12 – 1:30pm MST
Gynecological and obstetric care experiences are not the same for everyone. For some, they are positive experiences that allow them to address their reproductive and sexual health issues, while for others, they are dehumanizing or even violent. Some leave the consultation room more traumatized than when they arrived.
Based on quantitative and qualitative data collected in Quebec over the past two years by the PAROLES project, this presentation will illustrate areas of tension between the needs of women and individuals receiving care and the care actually provided. We will address, in particular, the relationship between healthcare staff and patients, autonomy and free will, and conclude with some recommendations formulated by those most directly affected.
About the Speaker
Dr. Sylvie Lévesque, PhD, has been a professor in the Department of Sexology since 2012. She holds degrees in sexology and public health and has several years of experience in intervention and supervision. Her current research interests include intimate partner violence and violence against women, motherhood in vulnerable situations, reproductive coercion, perinatal domestic violence, gynecological and obstetric violence, and the burden of contraception. She is also interested in women’s rights related to sexual and reproductive health. The majority of her research is conducted in close collaboration with community and institutional partners. She has been a regular researcher at RAIV since its inception.
* Please note that this webinar will be conducted entirely in French, with English translation provided.*