Preventing sexual violence and HIV in children

To create an effective response to the HIV epidemic, it is key to prevent sexual violence against children and intimate partner violence against adolescent girls. This study analyzed data from national household surveys on violence against children undertaken by governments in Swaziland, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, with support of the Together for Girls initiative, as well as an analysis of evidence on effective programmes.

The data shows that sexual and physical violence in childhood are linked to negative health outcomes, including increased sexual risk taking (inconsistent condom use and increased number of sexual partners), and that girls begin experiencing intimate partner violence (emotional, physical, and sexual) during adolescence.