Citation

Fox AM, Jackson SS, Hansen NB, Gasa N, Crewe M, Sikkema KJ. Violence Against Women 2007; 13(6): 583-602.

Affiliation

Columbia University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801207299209

PMID

17515407

Abstract

This study qualitatively examines the intersections of risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV infection in South Africa. Eighteen women seeking services for relationship violence were asked semistructured questions regarding their abusive experiences and HIV risk. Participants had experienced myriad forms of abuse, which reinforced each other to create a climate that sustained abuse and multiplied HIV risk. Male partners having multiple concurrent sexual relationships, and poor relationship communication compounded female vulnerability to HIV and abuse. A social environment of silence, male power, and economic constraints enabled abuse to continue. "Breaking the silence" and women's empowerment were suggested solutions.

Language: en