Safer Sex and Partner Violence in a Sample of Women

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, continue to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality among women. Intimate partner violence (IPV), affecting approximately 25% of women, has been shown to be a risk factor for HIV and STIs. This study describes the relationship between sexual risk, safer sex, and partner violence in a sample of women. Women who experienced IPV reported greater coercive sexual risk behaviors and a decreased ability to practice some safer sex behaviors. Nurse practitioners should be aware of the relationship between IPV and sexual risk and screen all women during routine visits.