NNEDV Stands with API Survivors on API HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
May 19, 2016
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) recognizes today, May 19, as Asian Pacific Islander (API) HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Within the API population, the rate of new HIV cases increased 15% in three years between 2002 and 2005. In many Asian communities, discussion of disease and sexuality is considered unacceptable, making safe spaces to talk about HIV and other STIs few and far between. Societal barriers, such as the interpretation of using condoms as a marker of infidelity, can create obstacles for those trying to build an environment of open communication about safe HIV practices.
Comparatively, API women have the lowest proportional rates of testing. Only 5% of API women who believe they are at risk for HIV/AIDS have gotten tested.
Over 55% of women with HIV/AIDS have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime, which is more than double the percentage of women overall. NNEDV stands with API survivors and continues to advocate on behalf of HIV positive survivors through our Positively Safe program. Learn more at NNEDV.org/PositivelySafe.