Dying of Sadness: Gender, Sexual Violence and the HIV Epidemic

The authors of this report examine sexual violence and its consequences for the HIV epidemic. They present a definition of sexual violence and evidence of its prevalence in the world, especially in conflict situations. The authors contend that people are contracting HIV in significant numbers due to sexual violence. They then offer strategies aimed at alleviating the problem of sexual violence at the local, national, and international levels. Strategies discussed include support for the victims, prosecution of perpetrators, as well as social and economic development. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, International]