Gender-based violence and HIV

Gender-based violence (which includes domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse) is a social problem which occurs in every country, amongst every ethnic group and at every level of society. Gender-based violence can both lead to a woman being infected with HIV and be the result of a positive diagnosis. International research shows that women in abusive relationships are almost twice as likely as other women to become infected with an STI, including HIV.¹

In the UK, a quarter of women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.² In a study carried out at the GUM clinic at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, 46% of the 380 women surveyed disclosed a history of domestic violence and 17% reported it occuring in the past 12 months. Black women (this sample included black Caribbean and black African women) were more likely to have experienced violence at home than white women attending this clinic.³

Many African women who are diagnosed with HIV find out their status while pregnant. As a result, they are often the person who notifies their partner and encourages him to go for testing. Reactions to an HIV diagnosis can in some cases include violence and rejection.

It is vital that people are encouraged to report domestic violence and to seek the appropriate help to protect themselves and their dependents from harm.