Sexual and intimate partner violence (IPV)

Problematic drug use among women is often linked to a history of sexual abuse and WUD experience high rates of IPV. Violence has a direct effect on a woman’s ability to practice safer sex and safer drug use and contributes to continued drug use.

Where a history of trauma instigates problematic drug use or risky behaviors, it is important that HR and drug treatment programs and staff are aware of how to deal appropriately with these issues.

Gender based violence

WUD are highly vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV), i.e. physical, mental, emotional and other forms of abuse and harassment directed towards women. HR programs and other HIV-related services can address GBV by providing direct support or referral to specialized organizations. Sometimes extra measures and means of protection may be required to enable WUD to report abuse. In order to address GBV, gender-specific services need to:

Ensure that WUD are aware of their rights and informed about where and how to report on police misconduct.

• Provide survivors of sexual assault with, or offer accompaniment to, clinical care for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and emergency contraception;
• Offer STI services and psychosocial support.
• Support the development of violence prevention sessions specifically tailored towards WUD.