Issue 03/2010 - The Umbrella: Safe from GBV and HIV - Changing the River’s Flow Newsletter, SAfAIDS

Issue 03/2010 - The Umbrella: Safe from GBV and HIV - Changing the River’s Flow Newsletter, SAfAIDS

Women and children are often in the greatest danger within their own homes, the place where they should be safe with their families. Millions of women are infected with HIV and the rate of female infection is rising. One of the greatest risks of HIV infection for many women comes from a regular partner. Many married women are often forced to have sex when they do not want to - even when they are aware that their partner has other sexual partners, has an STI or is HIV positive; they may not be in a position to insist on condom use or monogamy. An unequal relationship makes it difficult, if not impossible to negotiate for safer sex, and any attempt to discuss such measures may provoke more violence. Women often suffer physically and psychologically and are unable to make their own decisions, voice their own opinions or protect themselves and their children for fear of further repercussions. Their human rights are denied and their lives are stolen from them by the ever-present threat of violence. For these women, sex is not a matter of choice and for many their home is where they face violence at the hands of a loved one they should be able to trust.

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