Domestic Violence: A Risk Factor for HIV/AIDS?

T.Kimbrough
SisterLove, Inc Intern


It is quite alarming to note that black women are 15 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than our white counterparts (CDC, 2011). The question is why? With the amount of knowledge and free HIV testing available today, you would expect for our numbers to decrease. But for some strange reason, our numbers are increasing.

It is estimated that nearly half (45%) of new HIV infections are in the black population (CDC,2011). Researchers attributed this rise to specific sexual risk factors that seem to be prevalent within our community. Risk patterns such as unprotected sex, injection drug use, multiple sex partners and even domestic violence? Domestic violence is now being associated as a risk factor for HIV (Wingood et al, 1997; Raiford et al, 2009).

Women, who are in physically abusive relationships, are less likely to negotiate for the use of condoms with their partner (Wingood et al, 1997; Raiford et al, 2009). They are also more likely to reason that their chance of acquiring HIV is not as likely as their fear of being physically abused for refusing sexual advances. Even though they are knowledgeable about HIV/STD transmission, they would rather take a chance with acquiring HIV by engaging in unprotected sex than to advocate for condom use and risk the threat of their partner leaving them or even abusing them.

Where do you draw the line? Ask yourself which is more important to you; your sex life or your health? The choice is yours. Choose health. Ask yourself what can I do to protect my health? Seek solutions to commonly asked questions like: How can I better negotiate with my partner for condom use?; What proactive measures I can take to prevent the transmission of HIV/STDs?; How can I build better communication between my partner and I so that I can openly and freely discuss issues that I am concerned about?; Where can I go to get advice and counseling that can help me advocate for the things I feel are best for?

SisterLove, Inc is an organization that can help you with many of these concerns. SisterLove, Inc offers a free “Healthy Love session” that discusses HIV/STD transmission and prevention. The Healthy Love parties offer information about safe sex practices with emphasis upon condom negotiation and proper condom use. Once you learn how to feel comfortable discussing your sexual health needs and gain confidence in proper condom use, you will be more confident in your sexual health practices.

Contact SisterLove, Inc and find out when and where the next Healthy Love party. Come and have fun! Learn how to have better sex and safer sex. Visit us online: www.sisterlove.org.



References

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC,2011), HIV/AIDS and African Americans, Retrieved July 11, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/aa/index.htm

Raiford, J., DiClemente, R., & Wingood, G. (2009). Effects of fear of abuse and possible STI acquisition on the sexual behavior of young African American women. American Journal of Public Health, 99(6), 1067-1071. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2007.131482

Wingood, G., & DiClemente, R. (1997). The effects of an abusive primary partner on the condom use and sexual negotiation practices of African-American women. American Journal Of Public Health, 87(6), 1016-1018. Retrieved from EBSCOhost