Violence against women plays a crucial and devastating role in increasing the risk to women of HIV infection. It is a key reason why women are more vulnerable to HIV infection than men. It is both a cause and a consequence of infection, and as such is a driving force behind the epidemic. The circumstances underlying the correlation between violence against women and HIV and AIDS are a complex weave of social, cultural, and biological conditions.

This guide examines the links between violence against women (VAW) and HIV and AIDS, highlighting key issues, research and resources. It outlines how HIV and AIDS is a consequence of VAW, how VAW is precipitated by HIV, the economic factors that increase women's vulnerability and the interaction between VAW and conflict. It also offers strategies and actions for ending VAW and reducing HIV and AIDS infection. The guide is based on Chapter 6 of a Joint Report by UNAIDS/UNFPA/UNIFEM entitled Women and AIDS: Confronting the Crisis. The text was adapted by UNIFEM, which also provided editorial support.

Contents

• Introduction

• HIV and AIDS infection as a consequence of violence against women

• Violence against women precipitated by HIV infection

• Economic factors that increase women's vulnerability

• Violence against women during conflict

• Strategies and actions for ending violence against women and reducing HIV and AIDS infection

• Recommended reading