Violence against women fact for Nov. 29

[November 29, 2013]  Zonta International seeks to advance the status of women worldwide by improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy.

With the generosity and collective action of Zontians and friends around the world, Zonta International has supported projects in 46 countries, provided scholarships and awards to women around the globe, and been a powerful advocate for change in our local and international communities, thereby transforming the world and women's place in it.

The local Zonta organization wants to help raise awareness of the crime of violence against women locally and around the world by publishing 16 facts, one per day, during the 16 Days of Activism.

November 29 -- day 5

Fact 5: Violence against women increases the likelihood of being infected with HIV.

Studies from India, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, the United States of America and other countries show that violence against women increases the risk of HIV infection. A recent study of young women in South Africa showed that HIV negative women who had experienced intimate partner violence or high levels of gender inequality in their relationships with men were 51% more likely to acquire HIV over the next two years.
 

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