Domestic Violence in Barriers to Health Care for HIV-Positive Women

Few studies have addressed the issue of domestic violence and health care for HIV-positive women. However, such women are at increased risk of clinical progression when domestic violence prevents access to health care or their ability to take HIV medicines on a consistent basis. To address this issue, 3 focus groups and 50 in-depth interviews were conducted at a public health clinic with HIV-positive women clients who had experienced domestic violence. The results are illustrated in 4 case studies of how domestic violence diminishes women's ability to obtain regular health care. Abused women were reluctant to keep appointments if they were afraid of their partners, if they were depressed, feeling ill or "too worn down," or if they were ashamed of being abused. Abusive partners were sometimes reported to sabotage women's efforts to seek care, keep appointments or take medications. The study concluded that domestic violence is an underrecognized barrier to women's ability to obtain regular medical care for HIV/AIDS. Effective HIV treatment is dependent on consistent HIV care, and domestic violence is a crucial barrier for some women. More research is needed to determine the most effective interventions for domestic violence in relation to HIV-positive women.