Trauma Resolution For Women Survivors Of Childhood Abuse Living With The Human Immunodeficiency Virus Hiv

Women account for approximately 27% of new HIV infections (Aziz & Smith, 2011), and they may be at highest risk of contracting the disease during adolescence and young adulthood because of risky sexual practices. Having been sexually victimized during early development may increase their risk of contracting HIV, of developing psychiatric problems, and having a more severe course of the disease. There are few empirically supported treatments that address the emotional impact of sexual abuse on women living with HIV. Also, there appears to be a limited number of treatments that include trauma-focused and coping skills interventions that can help reduce HIV risk behavior in women with a history of trauma while simultaneously addressing trauma symptoms. Therefore, developing a specific community based intervention focused on coping skills, psychoeducation, and trauma resolution may significantly reduce psychological distress, improve medication adherence, and reduce sexual risk behaviors. The present program is designed for women who have a history of childhood sexual abuse and are living with HIV. The program will modify the Seeking Safety (SS) treatment components to address the specific needs of HIV infected women with a past history of abuse in order to resolve past traumas, improve medication adherence, prevent relapse to substance abuse for those with a substance abuse history, reduce transmission of HIV, and help these women learn to live a meaningful life with HIV/AIDS.