Survivor-Centered Practices for Working with Survivors of Domestic Violence Living with HIV

November 30, 2016

On December 1, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) recognizes World AIDS Day and brings awareness to the intersection of domestic violence and HIV/AIDS.

Through our Positively Safe project, and in partnership with the Positive Women’s Network, Casa de Esperanza, and the Northwest Network, NNEDV will be hosting a webinar that focuses on addressing the specific needs of survivors living with HIV – particularly LGBTQ survivors and Latina/o survivors – “Survivor-Centered Practices for Working with Survivors Living with HIV.”

At double the national rate, 55 percent of HIV-positive women have experienced domestic violence. A survivor’s limited ability to negotiate or practice safe sex and an abuser’s use of sexual coercion can increase one’s risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. There is significant stigma around reporting abuse or disclosing one’s HIV status; one study reported that 24 percent of HIV providers assisted at least one patient who disclosed their HIV status and then experienced physical abuse, while 45 percent feared this reaction upon disclosure.

The goal of our Positively Safe project is to address some of the unique challenges and barriers facing domestic violence survivors who are living with HIV, and to build capacity around the intersections of domestic violence and HIV/AIDS by developing partnerships between domestic violence programs and HIV providers.

Visit NNEDV.org/PositivelySafe to learn more about the intersection of HIV/AIDS and domestic violence.

Learn more about our World AIDS Day webinar partners:

NNEDV/Positively Safe
The Positive Women’s Network
Casa de Esperanza
The Northwest Network