NNEDV Receives Corporate Grant Award from Gilead Sciences, Inc.

November 3, 2021

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is thrilled to announce we have received a $300,000 Corporate Grant Award from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to support our Positively Safe project. This third-year of increased funding will help us address social determinants of health and improve health equity among populations disproportionately impacted by the dual epidemics of domestic violence and HIV/AIDS.

Survivors of domestic violence who are living with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS are an underserved population. One in four people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. is a woman, and it is estimated that 55%—nearly double the national rate—also experience domestic violence. Women who have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner were 48% more likely to become infected with HIV than women with non-violent partners.

Additionally, abusers may force partners to have unprotected sex, increasing a victim’s risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection like HIV. Many abusers also prevent their partners from accessing medical care, connecting with supportive friends and family members, and more in order to gain more power and control in the relationship.

“Trauma, including domestic violence, is an often-overlooked factor that can play a significant role for survivors seeking information on HIV testing and care. It, along with other social determinants of health, like economic and social conditions, can accelerate disease progression, and even increase the risk of death,” said Deborah J. Vagins, NNEDV President and CEO. “We must continue to develop and implement unique strategies to ensure safety and minimize trauma for these survivors. NNEDV is honored to partner with Gilead to work toward this goal.”

In 2020, through its second-year of funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc., NNEDV provided national trainings, created new resources, and reached new audiences to decrease stigma and improve service provision for survivors living with, or at risk for, HIV. With this renewed and increased third-year of funding, NNEDV will build upon these successes and leverage the expertise of Positively Safe’s strategic partnerships to address the impacts of social determinants of health, including systemic oppression, violence, and trauma on overall health equity and health outcomes.

This year, we are pleased to partner with a number of incredible organizations—including SisterLove, Black Women’s Blueprint (BWB), Positive Women’s Network-USA (PWN-USA), Futures Without Violence, and the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD)—to ensure that all materials are accessible and appropriate for a variety of audiences.

Since 2010, our Positively Safe project has worked to systematically address the unique challenges and barriers facing victims and survivors of domestic violence living with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS through partnering and collaborating, providing technical assistance and training, and developing and disseminating critical resources. We are grateful to Gilead Sciences, Inc. for supporting this essential work. Learn more.

Supported by grant funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. has had no input into the development or content of materials developed by the Positively Safe Project.