Addressing the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence against Women and Girls, & Gender-Related Health Disparities, White House Interagency Federal Working Group (September 2013)

This report, drafted by a White House interagency working group, examines the intersection of HIV, violence against women, and gender-related health disparities in the United States. The working group conducted an inventory of agency programs that address these issues, and found that women living with HIV experience intimate partner violence (IPV) at a significantly higher rate than the national average. Women who experience IPV are more likely to report HIV transmission risk factors, such as unprotected sex and injection drug use. An HIV diagnosis itself may also trigger abuse. Further, violence against women with HIV is associated with less use of antiretroviral medication, decreased medication adherence, and increased risk of death.

The report offers objectives and action steps to help alleviate these issues. It recommends: 1.) increased screening for IPV and HIV, 2.) emphasis on IPV screening within HIV-specific programs, 3.) addressing factors that increase the risk of violence for women and girls with HIV, such as laws that increase stigma and lack of stable, affordable housing, 4.) expansion of community outreach, education, and prevention efforts regarding HIV and violence against women and girls, and 5.) additional research to better understand the relationship between HIV and violence against women and girls to develop effective interventions.