In South Africa gender violence is a major contributing factor to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Rape directly increase womens and girls risk of contracting HIV. Typically, rape occurs in circumstances where a condom will not be used. The violent nature of rape creates a higher risk of genital injury and bleeding (and an increased risk of HIV transmission). In cases of gang rape, exposure to multiple assailants also contribute to the risk of transmission. South Africa has one of the highest occurrences of rape in the world.

Abusive relationships (including other forms of abuse besides that of a physical nature) limit a women's ability to negotiate safer sex. Women who have a history of childhood sexual abuse may engage in riskier sexual behaviour as adolescents or adults, increasing their risk of HIV infection. Women who receive HIV counselling and testing may be at risk of partner violence should they disclose their HIV status.

In this part of the archive we have inserts which bring home the reality of gender based violence, gender inequality and, by sharing the stories of women who are challenging these abuses, help women, men and youth to face and overcome these problems.