title: Considerations in HIV prevention for women affected by the criminal justice system.
abstract: Within the national dialogue of HIV prevention strategies, relatively little consideration is given to the millions of women and girls affected by the criminal justice system, either through their own incarceration or that of their partners. Statistics indicate that these women and girls are disproportionately infected or at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and much of this risk is directly related to the dynamics and circumstances that led to their incarceration or relationships with incarcerated men. As we look for the link between public health and correctional health within our National HIV/AIDS Strategy, it is imperative that the risks, obstacles, and opportunities facing women and girls affected by incarceration are brought into the discussion. Gender-responsive HIV prevention policies and practices must be developed to address the unique risks and opportunities for these women and girls. This paper presents data on HIV risk and other health issues specific to this community of women and girls, discusses key factors for consideration when developing gender-responsive HIV strategies for these communities, and makes recommendations for inclusion in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and other state and local HIV prevention efforts.
authors.affiliation: Corrections, Communities and Families, The Bridging Group, 4096 Piedmont Ave, Suite 710, Oakland, CA 94611, USA. katie@thebridginggroup.com
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Comfort
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003416:Criminal Law; D057237:Criminals; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006291:Health Policy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011330:Prisons; D011634:Public Health; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases; D016387:Women's Health