Inclusion of HIV/STI Risk Reduction in Domestic Violence Support Groups

Women who experience Intimate Partner Violence are at higher risk for HIV and other STIs. Domestic violence (DV) providers often focus on safety planning with little discussion on sexual safety for the victims they see. Most DV providers also offer support groups for the women they serve, providing a unique opportunity to introduce HIV risk reduction. Thru a contract with the Office on Women's Health, an intervention was developed to increase participant's awareness of the link between HIV and DV and to assist women in developing sexual safety plans by using a variety of different activities. The intervention is inserted as part of a series of topics in a DV support group.

The presentation will offer an overview of the content of the group, with specific considerations in presenting HIV/STI information in a support group. Methods to help ensure the inclusion of the material will be reviewed. The intervention has been offered this year at four different DV sites. The presentation will offer data collected from both staff and participants from these sites.