At Risk: The Relationship between Experiences of Child Sexual Abuse and Women's HIV Status in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Child sexual abuse in Papua New Guinea is a human rights issue as well as an indicator of HIV risk in women. This study aimed to develop knowledge about the link between violence experienced by women and their HIV status. The study used a mixed method approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data through structured interviews with a sample of 415 women across four provinces of Papua New Guinea: National Capital District, Western Highlands, Western, and Morobe. Participants were asked about violence they had experienced as children and in their adult relationships and the impact of the violence. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data was coded using a thematic approach. Child sexual abuse was reported by 27.5% of the sample (n = 114). Women reporting child sexual abuse were more likely to live in violent relationships, be HIV positive, and have a higher number of sexual partners.

Keywords:

• adult survivors
• prevention
• cultural issues
• AIDS
• Papua New Guinea

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges the HIV counselors in four provinces who collected data for this article and Sharon Walker and Bessie Maruia who supported this study on violence against women. This study was supported by a research grant from the National Aids Council of Papua New Guinea with the support of the Australian Government.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ione R. Lewis

Ione R. Lewis, School of Counseling, Australian College of Applied Psychology and University of Canberra.