Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and HIV are intersecting epidemics that have far-reaching health consequences for women in the United States. When these two problems converge—as they do far too often—the impact on women is compounded and the consequences can be devastating. Failure to address that intersection leads to a vicious cycle of sex/gender inequities—particularly for women of color, who already face a long list of health and social disparities.
In the last year, the Federal government, in collaboration with community partners, has made a concerted effort to work across Departments, agencies, and offices to address the intersection of HIV and violence against women and girls. These efforts are especially important for those, including black women and Latinas, who are disproportionally impacted by HIV and violence. Throughout the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a range of agencies and programs addressing women’s health and HIV have joined forces to leverage existing resources and educate their staff members, program officers, and communities about the intersection of HIV and IPV.
This formative-year report highlights Federal and community efforts to implement the initial recommendations of the Interagency Federal Work Group on the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence against Women and Girls, and Gender-Related Health Disparities. These collaborations and cross-departmental efforts build upon and improve efforts to improve health outcomes, addressing the needs of women who face either violence or trauma and HIV infection.
Population of focus: Women
Link to resource: Update on Efforts to Address the Intersection of HIV/AIDS, Violence against Women and Girls, and Gender-Related Health Disparities (pdf)
Date: 2014
Organization: Office of National AIDS Policy, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, and White House Council on Women and Girls