A Qualitative Study of The Role Of Sexual Violence In The Lives Of Aboriginal Women Living With Hiv/Aids

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Aboriginal women are continuing to be over-represented among new HIV cases in Canada. Although Aboriginal people represent just 3.8% of the Canadian population, in 2005, estimates indicated Aboriginal people were about 7.5% of all prevalent HIV infections. Since 2004, at least 50% of newly reported HIV infections identified as Aboriginal are women and girls (PHAC 2007; Mehrabadi et al. 2008).The alarmingly high levels of HIV infection reported among Aboriginal women are believed to be the result of entrenched marginalization and discrimination within Canadian society, the ongoing legacy of colonialism and oppression. Complex, interwoven factors of gender, class, and ethno-culture, both systemic and particular, have increased exposure to HIV among Aboriginal women. One of the most pervasive and damaging outcomes of these factors is the widespread occurrence of sexual violence and exploitation of Aboriginal women and girls. Research has shown that sexual violence and HIV/AIDS are deeply interrelated and often reinforcing. Yet very little is known about the relationship between sexual violence and HIV/AIDS in the context of Aboriginal women’s gender and cultural identity.

CAAN members called on the organization to turn its research attention to the issue of sexual violence against Aboriginal women living with HIV/AIDS (AWHAs). The Network held focus groups with AWHAs in three Canadian cities, where women confi rmed that sexual violence had profound effects on their health and well being and that the issue was deeply related to their ability to manage their HIV illness. In response, CAAN developed a qualitative, community-based research study, using the research principles of Ownership, Access, Control and Possession (OCAP). The study was designed to give a voice to AWHAs in the academic literature, as well as to better understand the interplay between such factors as gender, culture, HIV and sexual violence. The results are presented below.

View full document A Qualitative Study of The Role Of Sexual Violence In The Lives Of Aboriginal Women Living With Hiv/Aids