• HIV as a consequence of violence

HIV and AIDS infection as a consequence of violence against women

This study explores the link between HIV and violence against women (VAW) by comparing the experiences of partner violence between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in Tanzania. The study found that the odds of reporting at least one violent event were significantly higher among HIV-positive women than among HIV-negative women. The odds of this increased to ten times higher among younger women (less than 30 years old) among HIV-positive women compared to those testing HIV-negative. The authors outline a number of implications for the prevention of HIV and violence against women based on their findings.

The authors highlight how social norms concerning sexuality and physical violence were seen throughout the findings and call for violence prevention campaigns that include efforts to raise community awareness and develop critical attitudes towards domestic violence. The strong interaction of age and violence on HIV status highlights the need to develop violence-related education and interventions among younger women. The authors also recommend structural changes, including legal and policy changes, which could reduce violence by empowering women to maintain more control over their own lives. Finally, HIV voluntary counselling and testing also has an important role to play in identifying and supporting victims of violence. [adapted from author]

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