Sexual Aggression and Victimization among a Sample of Puerto Rican IDU Women

Background. Injection drug use (IDU) is commonly associated with the loss of inhibitory control and risky sexual behavior, often leading to sexual aggression with intimate partners.  In addition, IDU behaviors contribute to an increased risk for the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV, as well as psychological harm including psychosis, depression, suicide, anxiety and violent behaviors towards partners.  Previous studies on IDU populations have focused on HIV risk behaviors and minimally on sexual aggression or victimization experiences of active IDU women.  Methods. In collaboration with government and community-based organizations that provide outreach services to IDUs, we recruited 75 women who had used injection drugs in the past 12 months to complete a paper-based questionnaire to assess sexually violent experiences, illicit substance utilization, and access to healthcare services. Results. Preliminary results demonstrate that there are varying levels of reported sexually aggressive and violent experiences among female IDUs. Rates of condom and contraceptive use, HIV/STI testing history, sexual behaviors and other demographic variables are also reported. Higher response rates for sexually violent experiences correlated with using multiple drugs and having had experience with sex work. Conclusions. Our findings suggest the need to develop and tailor behavioral and psychological interventions targeting IDUs both at the individual and family level with the inclusion self-defense techniques, particularly for women, as part of these interventions.