Domestic violence advocates’ HIV prevention practices with women survivors: Frequency and barriers.

Abstract

There is strong evidence of the association between being a survivor of domestic violence (DV) and the risk of acquiring HIV. Unfortunately, DV advocates often fail to adequately address this risk. Data from an online survey with a national convenience sample of 677 DV advocates from throughout the United States and territories were used to examine current practices and beliefs about HIV and DV. Encouragingly, advocates reported feeling comfortable discussing sex-related topics with their clients and largely rejected stigmatizing attitudes toward people living with HIV. However, only 16% of the advocates reported regularly engaging in at least half of the HIV prevention practices measured. Barriers to such practices were explored. Findings suggest advocates need further training and organizational supports to adequately address HIV with clients. Public Policy Relevance StatementWomen survivors of male-perpetrated domestic violence (DV) have a greater risk of acquiring HIV than other heterosexual women; however, this risk is rarely addressed by DV advocates. This article explores the current state of the field's response to this increased risk, specifically how frequently DV advocates engage in HIV prevention practices and the barriers they experience to engaging in such practices. This study suggests further support is needed for advocates and DV organizations to adequately address survivors' increased HIV risk.