Breaking the Pathways between Domestic Violence and Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Test of Two Theories

While anthropological research has noted a connection between domestic violence and heightened risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), few studies have attempted to provide a theoretically-based explanation of this correlation. The current mixed-method research, conducted in southern New England, tests two prominent theories with the potential to explain this association: social control theory and resource access theory. Text analysis of in-depth, life history interviews with 28 abused women and multiple regression analysis of data from 215 structured interviews from abused and non-abused women allow us to conclude that, as posited by resource access theory, a woman's level of power (i.e., access to resources) effectively predicts whether she will experience violence and associated STI/HIV risks or affection and minimized sexual risk. Abused women who lack access to positive resources (e. g., support of friends/family, counseling, independent income) are more likely to engage in sexually risky behaviors, while women empowered with such resources are better able to avoid abuse and mitigate its sequelae. Therefore, experiences of domestic violence need not necessitate STI/HIV risk. Specific suggestions for policy and treatment modifications are suggested based on these findings.