%A Margaret Martone
%T Addressing the Co-occurrence of HIV and Gender-based Violence: A Position Paper

%X Gender inequalities around the world have resulted in exceedingly high rates of HIV among females. Over the last twenty years, power imbalances in sexual and social interactions have left women vulnerable to HIV infection. Socioeconomic and biological factors and predominantly gender roles have contributed to increased rates of violence against women, which in turn perpetuates a feminization of HIV. This position paper examines the co-occurrence of HIV transmission and gender-based violence. In this effort, it is necessary to analyze the role that males play in interventions designed to prevent such violence and infections. This paper examines interventions that utilize three different approaches to participant involvement; female-alone approach, couples-based approach, and a male-alone approach. Evidence from the literature examined suggests there are benefits worth replicating from each type of intervention approach. However, only one study demonstrated sustained reduction in both HIV transmission and gender-based violence. The public health significance of this paper is that it promotes a new idea, based upon relevant findings, in which recruitment of youth and adolescents rather than adults, may explain the success of the program. Working with males, aged 8-16, to prevent the risky gender-based violence behaviors associated with subsequent HIV infection, will be more effective in overcoming cultural barriers and harmful social norms of masculinity that extend dangerous health outcomes for women. 
%D 2012
%K HIV, gender-based violence, the role of males
%I University of Pittsburgh
%L pittir13078