Men and violence

Violence is a huge driving factor in the transmission of HIV. Gender-based violence is rooted in the unequal power relations between men and women - and in some cases between men.

Violence, including rape, sexual harassment and assault, can leave deep psychological scars, affecting the long term health of the victim, damaging women's and girls' reproductive and sexual health and in some instances, resulting in death.

Violence makes it hard for women (and some men) to access HIV prevention services, care and treatment. It also makes it harder for them to negotiate safe sex and condom use, say no to sex or get their partners to be faithful.