Sexual Violence – Spread of HIV/AIDS in Armed Situations

To understand the synergistic relationship between conflict, sexual violence and HIV/AIDS one must, first, examine the relationship between conflict and STIs; conflict and sexual violence; and sexual violence and STIs. This chapter will begin with a review of the literature that has found a correlation between war and increased prevalence of STIs among military personnel and conflict-affected civilian populations. The chapter then presents the research findings concerning the relationship between sexual violence and STIs. The research findings are taken from various academic and non-academic sources and are based on studies that were conducted in different conflicts in the world.