The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #69102

Amity Balbutin-Burnham, AIDS Office & School of Public Health, City of Berkeley & UC Berkeley, 830 University Ave., Berkeley, CA 94710, 5109815384, amb1@ci.berkeley.ca.us and LeRoy R. Blea, MPH, AIDS Office, Public Health Division, Health and Human Services, City of Berkeley, 830 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710.

Men, women, and youth of all racial, cultural, economic backgrounds and sexual orientations can be survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Experiencing domestic and sexual violence has been associated with increased risk of HIV infection. In the United States the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence is difficult to determine because these events are significantly underreported by survivors. As a result of underreporting, survivors may not receive needed resources and support. In California, state funded HIV test counseling sites provide an ideal point of care to identify potential survivors of domestic and sexual violence, however current state training and tools for HIV test counselors do not lend themselves to screening for domestic and sexual violence events.

This paper describes a pilot project to assess the feasibility and outcomes of screening specifically for domestic and sexual violence events during regular HIV test counseling sessions at state funded alternative and confidential HIV test sites. The pilot project resulted in an increase in the numbers of clients reporting domestic violence and sexual assault as well as an increased capacity of participating HIV test counselors to effectively support HIV risk reduction and referral needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Project protocol, screening tools and evaluation findings are presented.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the learner in this session will be able to:
• Discuss at least three factors that increase HIV risk in survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• Describe three key components to implementing domestic and sexual violence screening in HIV test counseling sites or other provider settings.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.