Violence raises HIV risk

LONDON - Women whose partners are violent and domineering have a 50 per cent increased risk of being infected with HIV, which causes Aids, scientists say.

Dr Rachel Jewkes, of the Medical Research Council in Pretoria, interviewed 1366 pregnant South African women at four clinics in Soweto about their partners, sexual behaviour and violence in their relationships. The women were also tested for HIV.

The researchers found that women who had been physically abused or whose partner had excessive control in the relationship had a 50 per cent higher rate of HIV infection than other women.

The findings were reported in The Lancet.

- REUTERS