Narrative case analysis of HIV infection in a battered woman

The narrative case analysis of HIV infection in a battered woman, taken from a qualitative study of women's experiences living with HIV/AIDS, conveys unusual insights into the context of violence that surrounded this woman's exposure to HIV. In her narrative, she describes the complex web of abuse she lived with day-to-day and the road she travels with AIDS as a result. Her abuse perpetrator infected her with HIV, and the whole atmosphere of violence, annihilation of self-worth, and oppressive restrictions likely contributed to the late-stage identification and treatment of her HIV-related disease. The discussion explores how domestic violence may place battered women at increased risk of becoming HIV infected. Clinical recommendations suggest that efforts to stop the battering of women and to prevent the spread of HIV in women must be combined to offer effective protection for women.