NCJ Number
226757
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 221-229
Date Published
May 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between intimate partner violence and HIV risk-propensity in African-American women.
Abstract
The results of this study highlight a variety of ways in which the intimate partner violence (IPV) intertwines with the HIV epidemic. Fear of abandonment and fear of violence were shown to impact women’s ability to negotiate condom-use. This can have a detrimental effect on HIV risk. Violence perpetuated against women by their intimate partners was also shown to impact sexual decisionmaking, free-choice, and ultimately increase the risk for HIV. The development of comprehensive and culturally competent intervention strategies to address the dual concerns of IPV and HIV-risk are recommended. Women who have no voice or power in their intimate relationships may be at risk for sexual abuse. In turn, research has shown that exposure to sexual abuse may place these women at greater risk for HIV infection. Two hundred African-American women in intimate relationships participated in the research which incorporated components of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST), the HIV Risk Experiences Survey, and 3 questions from the Sexual Experiences Survey (SES). The surveys were administered in Neighborhood Centers for Families across Orange County, FL between May and August, 2006. Tables, figure, and references