Rates of sexual violence among HIV‐positive women: finding a way forward for a holistic service

Abstract

Rates of sexual violence are high, and several studies have suggested that rates are particularly high among HIV‐positive women. Experience of sexual violence can lead to numerous physical and psychological co‐morbidities as well as a wide range of social problems. On both a Scottish Government and an international level it has been suggested that routine questioning about sexual violence in vulnerable populations can help to ensure access to appropriate services. This study aimed to assess the level of engagement around sexual violence in one HIV centre looking specifically at how often it was discussed, rate of disclosure, advice given and the demographics of the population disclosing sexual violence. Through this the aim was to assess the prevalence of disclosed sexual violence, and how it was being dealt with, in order to improve service provision. This was achieved by undertaking a case note review of 50 female patients of 394 number being cared for by the genito‐urinary physicians. Sexual violence was discussed at least once in 63% of cases, most commonly at time of diagnosis in a GUM clinic or other centre. 50% of those women disclosed experience of sexual violence, of while 60% (n=28) were from sub‐Saharan Africa and 44% (n=21) had entered the country as asylum seekers or refugees. These results show that a large number of HIV‐positive women within this city have experienced sexual violence, in particular in the asylum seeking population. As such, if services for HIV‐positive women are to take account of the psychological and social needs of their service users they will need to be aware of this and make appropriate provisions. This could take the form of routine questioning around gender‐based violence and/or providing good information about internal and external support services.