INTERSECTIONS BETWEEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & HIV/AIDS

This is a subject that I almost ALWAYS talk about with domestic violence...... the intersections between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS. Preparing for a week ahead at the United States Conference on AIDS at the Sheraton Hotel downtown (Nov. 9-13th), of course poses this topic that I hope will be discussed at some point at the conference. I always ask this question to those that I encounter at a domestic violence workshop that I facilitate: if a victim of domestic violence doesn't have control in their relationship, is it safe to assume that they do not have condom negotiation options with their partner? To answer this question, I've created a PowerPoint slide presentation on this subject as well and the answer is yes. But I'll just briefly give you an overview of how domestic violence and HIV/AIDS can at some point intersect one with the other. Therefore, causing the batterer and or victim to engage in risky behaviors that causes HIV infection.

Well, what are some high risk behaviors for HIV?

*Sharing needles and syringes

*Unprotected sex

*Alcohol abuse (under the influence, partner may not use protection during intercourse)

* Engaging in transactional sex

-sexual relationships where the giving of gifts or services is an important factor. Transactional sex relationships are distinct from other kinds of prostitution, in that the transactional sex provides only a portion of the income of the person providing the sex. Those offering sex may or may not feel affection for their patrons (wikepedia.com)

How can we make a detour from new HIV infections after knowing the information above?

Behavior changes for the victim is a start! GET TESTED!!!!! If you are HIV positive, get in to some type of Linkage to Care program. If you are HIV positive and take your prescribed medicine(s) CONSISTENTLY..... you will have a longer life span. Erase out of your mind that HIV/AIDS is a death sentence.

HIV positive victims also experience barriers of seeking help and treatment due to:

*Batterer may disclose the victim status if they are aware of it or uses it to manipulate the victim

*Batterer is the financial provider and prevents the victim from getting HIV medicine(s)

*Victim fears increased violence from the partner if they disclose their positive HIV status

*Victim is denial of recent HIV diagnosis

*Victim blames self for batterers violence

African American WOMEN have the highest cases of HIV. Here are 10 facts about HIV/AIDS that you should know:

http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/hiv/en/index.html

I am sometimes called the "Condom lady" because everywhere I go, I'm passing out free condoms and BREAKING THE SILENCE about domestic violence and HIV/AIDS!! The statistics are brutal enough, that I do all that I can to help PREVENT new cases of HIV.

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I hope this information was informative and if you want to get tested, please call:

HIV/STD Testing Hotline

• (800) 682-3047