title: Alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: establishing the link based on empirical evidence.
abstract: The existence of gender-based violence has been a source of concern within the public and private sectors as well as civil society organisations in Botswana. The present study investigated the link between alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. Further, it attempted to unravel the often unquestioned assumption that gender-based violence is perpetuated by cultural practices. Case study qualitative methodology was used to gather data for the study. A sample of 20 cases was selected purposively from five women's non-governmental organisations. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with agency coordinators, social workers, police commanders and police officers. The findings of the study revealed a relationship between alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, which makes victims vulnerable to HIV infection. From the findings, it is recommended that gender-based programmes be established to sensitise people about the link between alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of Botswana.
authors.forename: Odireleng
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Phorano
authors.forename: Keitseope
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nthomang
authors.forename: Dolly
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ntseane
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001902:Botswana; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D035862:Vulnerable Populations; D016387:Women's Health