HIV and Domestic Violence

Different social determinants of health have been well known to affect the wellbeing of individuals living with HIV. Stigma, discrimination, and some religious/ cultural convictions as well as other factors have the potential to hinder one’s ability to access services to improve health and wellness. In Canada, and around the world, abuse has also received a lot of attention due to the outcomes it is associated with. Abuse within this context includes; physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and financial/economic abuse.

Researchers at the University of Calgary conducted a study to identify the impact of domestic violence victimization on people living with HIV. The study was conducted with 853 patients of the Southern Alberta Clinic (SAC). 34% of patients reported experiencing abuse. Of those, more than half reported childhood abuse or abuse within a previous relationship. 16% reported abuse within their current relationships (Siemieniuk, Krentz, Gish and Gill, 764).

Results from the study confirm the link between abuse and HIV infection in developing nations. Previous studies indicate that women who experience different forms of abuse have higher mortality rates (763). They were also more likely to engage in high-risk activities including: multiple concurrent sexual partners, unprotected sex and injection drug use.

Victims of violence typically delay accessing services from health care providers. Of the study participants, 27% accessed services from SAC more than 90 days after the time of diagnosis compared to 19% of people who reported no abuse (765). It is also important to note that people experiencing abuse were also more likely to miss scheduled doctor appointments. Once in care, they requested more personal support and social work services than their non-abused peers (765).

Some other key findings from the study suggest that women are not the only group at risk. Gay and/or bisexual men and Aboriginal people are disproportionally represented among people experiencing abuse (767).

Results from the study suggest there is a strong relationship between domestic violence victimization and HIV. The impact of domestic violence on individuals leads to poor health outcomes such as mental health disorders and an increased use of medical resources (768). Domestic violence screening is an important first step to identifying individuals who may be suffering from abuse and its consequences. This will enable HIV caregivers to facilitate the most appropriate intervention for each client.

Works Cited
Siemieuniuk R., Krentz, H.B., Gish, J.A., Gill, M.J. “Domestic Violence Screening: Prevalence and Outcomes in a Canadian HIV Population. Aids Patient Care and STDs 24.12 (2010) 763-780

Additional Resources
Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS

This article was submitted by an AIDS Calgary Outreach Worker.