Funder: CIRA
Project period: 12/06/2010 - 12/05/2011
Grant Type: Pilot Project
Abstract Text:
Research has documented the strong correlation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV risk and infection, substance misuse, and negative mental and physical health consequences for women, but there is little to suggest that the HIV care systems are screening for or have the capacity to address the issue. In fact, the role of IPV on HIV prevention, access and adherence to care, and mental health and substance use issues is often not recognized. Presently, there is little known about the capacity of AIDS Service Organizations/AIDS Housing Programs (ASOs/AHPs) to recognize and address their client's histories of IPV. Thus we aim to: 1. Conduct a statewide, web-based survey of all ASOs/AHPs in Connecticut. 2. Conduct in-depth interviews with 20 key staff (Executive Directors, Program Managers, and Case Managers) at CT ASOs/AHPs. 3. Conduct in-depth interviews with 10 clients at CT ASOs/AHPs who have previously experienced IPV. 4. Conduct in-depth interviews with 10 clients at CT ASOs/AHPs who are currently experiencing IPV. Our short-term goal is to assess the capacity of ASOs/AHPs to screen for and address IPV, and identify facilitators and barriers to screening for and addressing IPV from both a staff and client perspectives. The outputs of this project would include a report on the current capacity and organizational needs of ASOs/AHPs in CT, and a conceptual model of the facilitators and barriers of providers and clients, for addressing IPV in people living with HIV. Findings from this project will inform NIH research proposals; including: An R21 application to assess ASO/AHP capacity and service strategies to address IPV on the national level, and proposals to develop appropriate behavioral interventions, staff education and training curriculums, and structural interventions to increase organizational sensitivity and capacity for addressing IPV.
