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Abstract
Domestic violence and sexual coercion: HIV risk among Puerto Rican gay males
J Toro-Alfonso, S L Rodriguez-Madera
University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Background:
Sexual coercion as part of the cycle of domestic violence represents a serious threat for HIV infection among partners in general, and gay and bisexual men in particular. The possibility of forcing a partner to engage in unsafe behavior for HIV infection is present as part of a myriad of control and abusive behaviors that conform domestic violence. Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behaviors that leads to coercion, domination, and control of another person by means of physical or psychological force, intimidation or persecution, in an intimate relationship. Sexual coercion refers to all activity or behavior developed in order to defeat the other person resistance to engage in an undesired sexual act.
Method:
This study identified abusive behaviors among a sample of 302 Puerto Rican gay males. We used a self-administered questionnaire, which addressed general issues on domestic violence with a specific scale addressing sexual coercion. We did statistical analysis using correlations, regressions, and factor analyses. Emphasis was directed toward behaviors identified as sexual coercion and their possible connection to high-risk behavior for HIV infection.
Results:
Forty seven percent (47%) reported having a main or steady partner. Forty seven percent (47%) reported experiences of domestic violence and twenty seven percent (27%) acknowledged that they have experienced sexual violence. We found a positive correlation between being anally penetrated without a condom, the need of please the partner, and being HIV positive.
Conclusions:
Sexual coercion is a manifestation of power that is not exclusive to heterosexual relationships. The social construction of masculinity and men’s sexualities implies that sexual favors are their prerogative. The manner in which violence is constructed and perceived in men may be related to vulnerability for HIV infection.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
ThPeE7782
Suggested Citation
" J Toro-Alfonso, et al.
Domestic violence and sexual coercion: HIV risk among Puerto Rican gay males
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
ThPeE7782"
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