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Understanding Men's Health and Use of Violence: Interface of Rape and HIV In South Africa

South Africa has one of the highest rates of rape reported to the police in the world and the largest number of people living with HIV. The rate of rape perpetration is not known because only a small proportion of rapes are reported to the police. There is considerable concern about the links between these two problems. Obviously HIV can be transmitted in the course of rape and this compounds the human rights violation of the rape.

Evaluation of Stepping Stones: A gender transformative HIV prevention intervention

All available strategies for preventing sexual transmission of HIV involve behaviour change, yet there has been remarkably little research into the effectiveness of individual level approaches, with the lack most notable in settings of high HIV prevalence. Research that has considered whether behaviour change interventions could reduce the number of new infections has not shown clear evidence of effectiveness (Kamali et al 2003; Ross, personal communication).

Every six hours a woman is killed by her intimate partner

The killing of women by intimate partners (also known as intimate female homicide or intimate femicide) is the most extreme form and consequence of violence against women. Globally, gender differences are found in homicide patterns. Men are at greater risk of being killed than women and this is mainly done by other men. Women, on the other hand, are primarily killed by the opposite gender (Goetting, 1988). The murder of women by an intimate partner accounts for between 40 – 70% of all female homicides (Dahlberg & Krug, 2002).

Sexual Violence Research Initiative

The SVRI is a global research initiative that aims to promote good quality research in the area of sexual violence, particularly in low and middle income countries. The SVRI believes that prevention efforts and service provision must be informed by sound research and evidence. We are building an experienced and committed network of researchers, policy makers, activists and donors to ensure that the many aspects of sexual violence are addressed from the perspective of different disciplines and cultures.

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