Intimate partner, familial and community violence among men who have sex with men in Namibia

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Robert Stephenson, Emory University; Marisa Hast, Emory University; Catherine Finneran, Emory University; Craig R. Sineath, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2014-01-01
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2014 Taylor & Francis.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2014.889753
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Culture, Health and Sexuality
• ISSN: 1369-1058
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: 473
• End Page: 487
• Grant/Funding Information: This research was funded by the Emory Center for AIDS Research [grant number P30 AI050409].
• Keywords: GENDER; men who have sex with men; Biomedical Social Sciences; GAY MALE; BISEXUAL MEN; RISK BEHAVIORS; Family Studies; VICTIMIZATION; intimate partner violence; VULNERABILITY; Namibia; HIV-INFECTION; Social Sciences; EXPERIENCES; ASSOCIATIONS; HUMAN-RIGHTS; Social Sciences, Biomedical
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Epidemiology

Abstract

Men who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa are known to experience high levels of violence, yet little research has focused on their perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examines the perceived typologies and sources of multiple forms of violence, including IPV, family/community violence and discrimination from healthcare workers, among men who have sex with men in Namibia. Focus-group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with a 52 men residing in five cities across Namibia. Results indicate that violence, in varying forms, is commonplace in the lives of men who have sex with men in this community, and may be associated with HIV testing patterns.