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The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and acquisition among female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). Data were abstracted from intake and HIV/STI testing forms from a family justice center, to identify the socioeconomic and abuse characteristics associated with requesting and obtaining an HIV/STI test ( n = 343) and acquisition of HIV/STIs ( n = 111). Multiple logistic regression using forward selection was used to identify predictors of HIV/STI testing and acquisition. Females experiencing greater risk of lethality were at higher odds of requesting an HIV/STI test; however, risk of lethality did not predict the receipt of an HIV/STI test. A history of sexual assault was associated with higher odds of acquiring HIV/STIs in the past year. Interventions are needed to facilitate HIV/STI testing among female victims of IPV, especially those with higher risk of lethality and a history of sexual assault.

Despite recent calls to integrate HIV testing into social services addressing intimate partner violence (IPV), few studies have reported on survivors’ perspectives regarding the desired characteristics of this integration. The purpose of this study was to describe desired characteristics of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing services from a survivor’s perspective. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken to describe the perspectives of IPV survivors who may or may not have accessed this service. Four focus groups were conducted with a diverse sample of English and Spanish speakers (N = 25) who sought services through a family justice center and associated shelters. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Three themes were identified, including (1) peace of mind; (2) interacting stigmas and traumas; and (3) making testing easy, comfortable, and tailored. The findings of this study have the potential to influence survivor-centered practices and policies regarding the integration of culturally informed HIV/STI and IPV services.

Introduction. In the Cite Soleil (CS) shantytown of Haiti, non-partner sexual violence (NPSV) is widespread, involves multiple assailants who do not use condoms and inflict intentional coital injuries. HIV prevalence in Haiti is 2.2%, CS HIV prevalence is 3.6% shame, guilt, self-blame and societal stigma impede access to HIV testing/treatment in a context of low confidentiality. In that context, NPSV victims often succumb to AIDS. Culturally adapted evidence-based HIV interventions (EBIs) can increase HIV awareness and reduce HIV risk. Methods. Following the ADAPT-ITT model, we used purposive sampling to recruit and interview key stakeholders (age 18 and older) in four focus groups (Victims and health providers, as part of adaptation of an EBI HIV (RESPECT) with an orally administered RAPID HIV antibody test (OraQuick) to increase HIV awareness and testing and to reduce HIV risk for NPSV victims (N=32, 8/focus group). We also introduced trauma-informed care (TIC) to address the post-assault trauma of NPSV victims. Stakeholders were introduced to RESPECT, participated in RESPECT role plays, interpreted OraQuick HIV screen results after viewing a demonstration of a sample collection, and provided feedback on TIC. ATLAS.ti facilitated thematic content analysis of focus group transcripts. Results: Participants unanimously (100%) reported that RESPECT, OraQuick, and TIC were acceptable, feasible, and useful for increasing HIV awareness, reducing shame, guilt, and trauma, and empowering NPSV victims to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition/transmission in future consensual relationships. Conclusion: Establishing the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of RESPECT, OraQuick, and TIC in CS is a crucial first step towards responding to the HIV prevention and trauma needs of NPSV victims. Keywords: RESPECT HIV intervention, Haitian girls and women, victims of non-partner sexual violence, Adaptation of evidence-based interventions, RAPID HIV testing.