Globally it is said that violence against women and HIV are twin pandemics. In communities where violence is prevalent we focus on connecting women to shelters, mental health and housing. These are all immediate resources a woman needs when she makes that decision to leave her abuser. These resources are especially important if she has little children whose well being depends on her safety. As an HIV prevention provider, we must do a better job of assessing for HIV and STI’s and offering screenings to women who have experienced violence.
Health care in general is not on the priority list of a woman who is being abused yet she remains at very high risk for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. Her worries are so many, in particular her children. She becomes last on the list. Depression and isolation also become her reality. This isolation places her at even higher risk because she doesn’t have a support system, someone to ask help from, or someone to simply talk to.
Obtaining her trust is vital. Once trust is there and she is safe, health screenings, in particular STI, need to be explored and encouraged. Such screening can save her life. Among Latinos, over 41 percent receive an AIDS diagnosis within 18 months of being diagnosed HIV positive. For this reason we need to pay attention to those individuals who are at higher risk. Violence is a co-factor that places women at high risk to HIV. This is an unfortunate reality that needs to be shared with the community.
Women can obtain HIV testing free of charge at Voces Latinas and can also get help around domestic violence by calling 718-593-4528.
Nathaly Rubio-Torio is executive director/founder of Voces Latinas, Inc.
