In Their Own Voices: A Qualitative Study of Women's Risk for Intimate Partner Violence and HIV in South Africa

• Published in: Violence against women 2007-06, Vol.13 (6), p.583-602
• Main Authors: Fox, Ashley M., Jackson, Sharon S., Hansen, Nathan B., Gasa, Nolwazi, Crewe, Mary, Sikkema, Kathleen J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; Adult; Aggression; Battered women; Battered Women - psychology; Biological and medical sciences; Coercion; Cultural Characteristics; Domestic violence; Female; Females; HIV; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - psychology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Intimate relationships; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous; Narration; Partner Abuse; Prevention and actions; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Qualitative research; Risk Factors; Sexual Partners - psychology; Social Environment; Social Perception; Socioeconomic factors; South Africa; Spouse Abuse - psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Women; Women's Health
• ISSN: 1077-8012; 1552-8448; 1552-8448
• DOI: 10.1177/1077801207299209

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.