Alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: establishing the link based on empirical evidence

• Published in: SAHARA J : journal of Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS Research Alliance Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 188 - 202
• Main Authors: Phorano, Odireleng, Nthomang, Keitseope, Ntseane, Dolly
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa Taylor & Francis 01.04.2005; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; AIDS; Alcohol Abuse; Alcoholism; Alcoholism - epidemiology; Battered Women; Botswana; Cultural Values; Data Collection; Domestic violence; Empirical research; Female; Gender studies; Gender-based violence; Health; Health Education; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; HIV Infections - transmission; HIV/AIDS; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; l'abus d'alcool; la pauvreté; la violence sexiste; le Botswana; le VIH/SIDA; les ONGs; Male; Needs Assessment; NGOs; Original; Poverty; Regression analysis; Violence - statistics & numerical data; Vulnerability; Vulnerable Populations; Women's Health; Botswana
• ISSN: 1729-0376; 1813-4424
• DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2005.9724842

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, genderbased violence and HIV/AIDS.