WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

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WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?

• Implementing HIV/AIDS Programs in Domestic
  Violence Shelters
• Christine McMillon, CEO
• ENSYNC DMS, Inc.
• Lake Mary, Florida

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Noteworthy

• Greater Appreciation and Respect
• Professionals who Operate Together to Overcome
• Challenges and Obstacles
• Willingness to Collaborate
• The Intersection between HIV/AIDS/DV

Sources McMillon, C. (2009)
McMillon-Coles (2009)
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Three Primary Questions

1. To what extent should domestic violence shelters
   assess a womans risk for HIV/AIDS upon
   admission?
2. To what extent should DV shelters provide
   prevention education counseling regarding
   HIV/AIDS to DV survivors?
3. If DV shelters are not providing HIV/AIDS
   assessment, education and prevention, what some
   of the primary reasons given for lack of services?

Source Roundtree, M.A. (2005). An exploratory
study HIV/AIDS educational and
prevention programming in domestic
violence shelters. Journal of HIV/AIDS Social
Services
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Assessing Risk Upon Admission

• Preparedness of Staff
• Upon Request of Survivor
• Emotional Barriers
• Infrastructure of HIV Programs with DV
  Facilities
• Survivors Unaware of Symptoms

Sources Roundtree, M.A. (2005). An
exploratory study HIV/ AIDS educational
and prevention programming in domestic
violence shelters. Journal of HIV/AIDS Social
Services McMillon, C. (2009)
McMillon-Coles (2009)
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Prevention and Education Counseling

• Training
• Pre and Post Test Counseling
• History
• Linkages with HIV/AIDS Providers

Sources Roundtree, M.A. (2005). An exploratory
study HIV/ AIDS educational and
prevention programming in domestic
violence shelters. Journal of HIV/AIDS Social
Services McMillon, C. (2009)
McMillon-Coles (2009)
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Integrated Services
Pre-Test Counseling
DV clients and access to available care, treatment and support.
Sexual and reproductive health issues, HIV and DV clients, including prevention of mother to child transmission.
Options regarding available services on DV clients prevention and care.
Testing
Voluntary, confidential, accompanied by counseling and with informed consent.
Assessment of sexual violence cases.
Medical and psychological care should be provided to those who test positive.
Post-test follow-up should be ensured.
Protection measures for victims of DV.
Source The Southern African AIDS Trust. (2004)
Counseling on Domestic Violence. Zimbabwe
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Integrated Services
Post Test Counseling Post Test Counseling
HIV result HIV- result
Referral for HIV care and treatment. Counseling on HIV prevention and DV clients.
Safety measures for survivors of violence (SV). DV clients and HIV risk and vulnerability.
Mental health (depression, anxiety, drugand alcohol abuse). DV clients and risk behaviors.
Support for non-disclosure of the result and to (individual and/or group) protect from violence. Referrals to emotional support services .
Nutrition and DV clients
If a woman refuses the test Counseling on HIV risk reduction. Available services for prevention and care and HIV and DV client If a woman refuses the test Counseling on HIV risk reduction. Available services for prevention and care and HIV and DV client

Sources The Southern African AIDS Trust. (2004)
Counseling on Domestic Violence. Zimbabwe
McMillon, C. (2009)
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Lessons Learned Challenges and Solutions

• Time constraints
• Program Design
• Class Scheduling, Locations and Attendance
• Implementing Class Content

Sources Dunn, B. (2009)
McMillon, C. (2009)
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Conclusion
Coordinated Community Response is Needed
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Thank you !!