The Program on International Health and Human Rights at the Harvard School of Public Health has produced a review of peer-reviewed literature addressing the intersections between gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV. In general, the literature confirms that HIV infection as relevant to GBV is primarily acquired through sexual relations, which themselves are greatly influenced by socio-cultural factors, underlying which are gender power imbalances. Gender based violence, or the fear of it, on the other hand may interfere with the ability to negotiate safer sex or refuse unwanted sex. Furthermore, violence against a woman can interfere with her ability to access treatment and care, maintain adherence to ARV treatment, or carry out her infant feeding choices. Evidence also exists that living with HIV can constitute a risk factor for GBV, with many people reporting experiences of violence following disclosure of HIV status, or even following admission that HIV testing has been sought.

Neglected Diseases: A Human Rights Analysis
Social, Economic and Behavioural Research. Special Topics No.6
By Paul Hunt with the assistance of Rébecca Steward, Judith Bueno de Mesquita and Lisa Oldring

Universal Declaration of Human Rights