Lived experience of intimate partner violence among women with HIV/AIDS in sero-discordant couples in Rwanda

Abstract

Lived Experience of Intimate Partner Violence among Women with HIV in Sero-discordant Couples in Rwanda Background: Intimate partner Violence constitutes a human right violation, and mostly affect women. Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that roughly 30% of women globally have encountered physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner at some point in their lives. Furthermore, women who have HIV and are part of couples where their partner has a different HIV status are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing intimate partner violence compared to the general population. In Rwanda, there is limited available information that has been recorded regarding the real-life encounters of intimate partner violence experienced by women who have HIV and are in sero-discordant relationships.

Objectives: To explore the lived experience of intimate partner violence among women with HIV/AIDS in Sero-discordant couples in Rwanda. Specific objectives: To explore the relationship post-disclosure among HIV-positive women in Sero discordant couples, to explore IPV-related experience among HIV-positive women in Sero-discordant couples, and to explore strategies deemed helpful to reduce IPV by HIV-positive women in Sero discordant couples.

Methodology: The current research study used descriptive phenomenology as an approach and individual reviews for the qualitative inquiry, in-depth individual interviews were used with an interview guide to collect qualitative data. Thematic analysis is an appropriate method for analyzing experiences, thoughts, or behaviors present in a dataset comprehensively.

Findings: Five themes emerged from this investigation, which are as follows: ‘Changes in relationship with the partner’, ‘Awareness of HIV in Sero-discordant couples’, ‘Collaboration and exchange’, ‘Impact and determination’, and ‘Resolving and recommendations’. Women beating, being stigmatised, having objects hurled in their faces, having their wives' bodies traumatised by knives, forced intercourse, harassing behaviour that hurt, being left alone, and having their cash withheld were some of the violent situations that interviewees recounted. Depressive disorders and opportunistic HIV infections were among the identified harmful effects on health. The revelation of HIV test results led to instances of violence. Women saw the unfair punishment of the perpetrator and the lack of a supportive system for women as legal obstacles in deterring intimate partner violence (IPV).

Conclusion: Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a substantial health challenge, manifesting in diverse forms and significantly affecting women's health and overall welfare. Enhancing legal frameworks is crucial to ensuring justice for all survivors, and there should be a particular focus on establishing a support network for women. Misguided disclosure of HIV test results can escalate IPV, underscoring the importance of facilitating HIV disclosure through healthcare professionals.