Violence Against Women and HIV/AIDS: Critical Intersections: Sexual Violence in Conflict Settings and the Risk of HIV

This bulletin addresses how conflict situations increase the risk of sexual violence and vulnerability to HIV for women and girls: women in conflict have usually fled their homes, lost their families and livelihoods, and have little or no access to health care. The bulletin discusses how these factors allow for situations where abusive sexual relationships are more accepted, and where sex is viewed as an easy service to obtain. The bulletin notes that programs to mitigate gendered violence and to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in conflict situations are difficult to operate due to the lack of rule of law, police, judicial system and health care services. However, it concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for such programs. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - HIV/AIDS, Violence Against Women, International]