'Sometimes, we don't know if we're getting abused': discussions of intimate partner violence and HIV risk among transgender women

Cult Health Sex. 2023 Sep;25(9):1101-1115. doi: 10.1080/13691058.2022.2134929. Epub 2022 Oct 30.

Abstract

Transgender women are among the populations at highest risk for HIV in the USA and have elevated risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). There is an urgent need for integrated HIV-IPV prevention interventions for transgender women. Using qualitative methods, we explored transgender women's lived experiences of IPV and the relationship between IPV and HIV risk. Using thematic analysis, we identified four key concepts that warrant inclusion in the development of models for IPV and HIV interventions: (1) considering the boundaries of IPV; (2) normalising expectations of chronic violence; (3) relationship safety; (4) calls for trans-affirming and empowering services.

Keywords: HIV; Transgender women; intimate partner violence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence* / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • Transgender Persons*