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:
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:
It's that time of year again where everything that could go wrong........ does go wrong!!!! What should you do? What can you do about STRESS? I'm always working on a project for A New Me Foundation these days, so me and stress are like first cousins. The way I deal with stress is learning when to take a break! You can't do everything, for everybody all of the time. What good is it, if you're so busy trying to help others out while your health is fading away? It does nothing at all but increases your stress levels and may cause panic or heart attacks or the body may react in the opposite direction and shut down, such as depression.
People ask me how do I complete all of the projects I'm doing and still have time to work and raise kids? I tell you all ..... all of the time.....WRITE YOUR VISIONS DOWN!!! When I feel stressed or pressured about an upcoming event, I do the following (in no specific order), I look at my calendar and locate "when" is the deadline or date the event is happening. I sternly and seriously ask myself: is this deadline realistic? What can be executed now to relieve some stress?....... Usually money to fund events that I host for A New Me Foundation is the stress magnet for me. I don't worry much about anything else. My only question is HOW AM I GONNA PAY TO PULL THIS OFF?
If you know anything about me, you know I'm not good with sitting on my dreams or housing my goals in my head. Nope.... that's not me! Once that goal hits that piece of paper in my journal, HOUSTON, we have a lift off. I began to work on that goal ASAP!
The saying (call it cliche if you want). "Too blessed to be stressed" is remarkable. Someone had to remind me awhile ago while I was stressing over money as usual, that I was connected to my Source and that He has provided me with plenty of financial blessings and surely He wasn't throwing in the towel on me now. I'm not crazy, I hurried up and deposited that word in my soul and immediately cast stress out!!!
I ALWAYS recite this scripture whenever I'm stressed out too.... you can also find it several times written in my journal.... told y'all, me and stress are like first cousins LOL ....
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
This scripture navigates my mind back in order. I am too blessed to be stressed over anything, especially the things and people that are NOT good for me. Now releasing stress takes practice for some. That other saying, it's easier said than done", will be a remaining factor for some people. Stress not only will cause uber chaos in your life, it can also be your demise, meaning death.
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What is the cause of all of this stress? Well, three-quarters of Americans say that money and work are the leading causes of stress, while 51 percent said the housing crisis was also a contributor. Upon closer examination, however, you can find a common thread woven throughout each and every major cause of stress, and that is a loss or lack of control. ( http://community.sedona.com/letting-go-articles/564-leading-cause-stress-why-so-prevalent-economy.html )
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Now this says something to me and I have become very familiar with these causes of stress in my own life recently. If you find yourself, like me, stressed out a lot or a little, here's some ways we can relieve our stress together:
*Write in a journal
*Cut back on some commitments you've made
*Jog, yoga, talk a long walk
*Talk to a trusted friend/family member to get your feelings out
*Listen to soothing/inspirational music
* Play games with your children
Those are just a few ideas here are more ways that you can relieve stress:
Last , but not least, domestic violence causes stress as well for a victim. I lost so much weight when I was in an abusive relationship due to the enormous amount of stress that I dealt with. You should not have to walk around your partner or in life on egg shells due to fear which leads to stress. Stress can also lead you to roads of unhealthy lifestyles and behaviors. I used to smoke cigarettes just to deal with the abuse from my partner and thank God now, I can't stand to even be next to someone who is smoking cigarettes.
Prayerfully this has helped you take a load off of some stressful things in your life and get you back focused to create a STRESS FREE life. After all, you are TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!
Here's a song I often meditate to and definitely use to relieve stress in my life:
