Domestic Violence and HIV Prevention Initiative

Quick Facts on the Intersection of Domestic Violence and HIV

Domestic violence and HIV have a bidirectional relationship.

Individuals that report a history of intimate partner violence are more likely to report other HIV risk factors, including unprotected sex and injection drug use1,2
Evidence shows that sexual, physical, and emotional violence against individuals increases their risk for HIV by 3 times3
Additionally 55% of women in the United States who have HIV report IPV, which is significantly higher than the rates for the general population (36%)1,4

Several studies have found that IPV impacts health care outcomes and the HIV care continuum for women living with HIV.2 HIV positive women with a history of violence are:

Not connected to care as quickly after diagnosis
Less likely to take antiretroviral therapy (ART)
More likely to fall out of care
More likely to experience treatment failure

Additionally, survivors of violence are 4 times more likely to seek treatment if they have talked to their doctor about the abuse.5

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call this 24/7 national hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

References:

1. AIDS United. (2021, October 7). The intersection of women, violence, and HIV. https://aidsunited.org/the-intersection-of-women-violence-and-hiv/

2. Campbell, J. C., Baty, M. L., Ghandour, R. M., Stockman, J. K., Francisco, L., & Wagman, J. (2008). The intersection of intimate partner violence against women and HIV/AIDS: a review. International journal of injury control and safety promotion, 15(4), 221–231. https://doi.org/10.1080/17457300802423224

3. Machtinger E.L., Wilson T.C., Haberer J.E., Weiss D.S. Psychological Trauma and PTSD in HIV-Positive Women: A Meta-Analysis. AIDS Behavior. Published January 2012. http://www.natap.org/2012/HIV/psychologicaltraumawomenhiv.pdf Accessed August 2019.

4. McCloskey L.A., Lichter E., Williams C., Greber M., Wittenberg E., Gans M. Assessing Intimate Partner Violence in Health Care Settings Leads to Women's Receipt of Interventions and Improved Health. Public Health Reports. Published July 2006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1525344/pdf/phr121000435.pdf Accessed August 2019.

5. Sareen J., Pagura, B., Grant, B. Is Intimate Partner Violence Associated with HIV Infection Among Women in the U.S. Science Direct. Published February 2009. Accessed August 2019.