The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently reported what too many people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in the United States had already known...they are at higher risk for intimate partner violence. According to the findings, which were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, "26.3% reported having ever experienced intimate partner violence, and 4.4% reported having experienced intimate partner violence in the past 12 months."[1] Sadly, it means one in four PLWHAs are probably more worried about surviving physical abuse than battling their HIV diagnosis.
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Aside from the act of violence itself, what is equally troubling it how it impacts the emotional, mental and physical health of the survivors of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. Among PLWHAs who experienced intimate partner violence during the previous year, CDC found they were:[2]
- Less likely to maintain medication adherence.
- Less likely to be engaged in routine HIV care.
- Less likely to have good HIV clinical outcomes.
- More likely to seek emergency care services.
- More likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as intravenous drug use.
- More likely to have unmet needs for supportive services.
Gender and sexual orientation were both important factors for lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence. Homelessness also was identified as a risk-factor, with 37.6% experiencing physical abuse from a partner with in the past twelve months.[3]
CDC's analysis used interview and medical record data from the 2015−2017 cycles of the Medical Monitoring Project,[4] which was prior to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, all reports indicate that domestic abuse and intimate partner violence have increased over the last year during the Covid-19 isolation.[5] The ADAP Advocacy Association, in fact, worked closely last year with Simply Amazing You Are (SAYA) to highlight, COVID-19 is Exacerbating Existing Epidemics.
SAYA, a Miami, Florida-based nonprofit organization, has been on the front lines battling this dual epidemic using empowerment focused intimate partner violence prevention and intervention. SAYA's programming includes direct assistance like escape planning and protective order assistance, as well as policy advocacy campaigns, referral for support services, and linkage to care and victim services navigation. SAYA currently relies on a word-of-mouth model in order to ensure the safety of their clients. Through the COVID pandemic, SAYA has also partnered with Panera Bread end night donations to provide to IPV survivors facing homelessness or the risk of homeless.
Connie Reese, SAYA's Founder & Executive Director, is survivor of intimate partner violence. "When is your enough...enough," Reese said upon urging survivors of intimate partner violence in South Florida to seek support. But according to Reese, Covid-19 has made it more difficult for people to seek help.
"For many women, even the fear of contracting the coronavirus is stopping them from seeking out medical care after experiencing physical abuse, in addition to being HIV-positive," said Reese. "SAYA, although in the process of applying for federal and local government funding, has provided unlimited services out-of-pocket to ten women who have experienced intimate partner violence in Miami-Dade County during Covid-19."
To that end, SAYA was instrumental in helping the ADAP Advocacy Association publish its infographic on the intersection between intimate partner violence and HIV. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the Rape & Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
[1] Ansley B. Lemons-Lyn, Amy R. Baugher, Sharoda Dasgupta, et al. (2021, March 31). Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Adults With Diagnosed HIV in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Retrieved online at https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(21)00079-9/fulltext.
[2] Ansley B. Lemons-Lyn, Amy R. Baugher, Sharoda Dasgupta, et al. (2021, March 31). Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Adults With Diagnosed HIV in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Retrieved online at https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(21)00079-9/fulltext.
[3] Lily Wakefield (2021, April 18). A quarter of HIV-positive Americans have experienced intimate partner violence. Retrieved online at https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/04/18/hiv-intimate-partner-violence-america-health-outcomes-cdc/.
[4] Ansley B. Lemons-Lyn, Amy R. Baugher, Sharoda Dasgupta, et al. (2021, March 31). Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Adults With Diagnosed HIV in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Retrieved online at https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(21)00079-9/fulltext.
[5] Karen Nikos-Rose (2021, February 24). COVID-19 Isolation Linked to Increased Domestic Violence, Researchers Suggest. University of California, Davis. Retrieved online at https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/covid-19-isolation-linked-increased-domestic-violence-researchers-suggest.
Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates.
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