Confronting Cultural Silencing of Women: Untold Stories of Abuse and HIV Risk in Young Women in Africa and the United States

Past research has shown that sexual abuse increases vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. However, little is known about the context of different cultural traditions and how they affect women's risk. This study used data from two studies conducted in the United States and West Africa, and purposefully selected semi-structured interviews of those reporting sexual abuse. Data were collected from 2006 to 2009 (United States) and 2014 to 2015 (West Africa), and analyzed using an interpretive team approach. Findings revealed that most study participants lived with personal shame and stigma; they were silent about the abuse they suffered to protect themselves and their families. Those providing mental and physical health services to women with HIV/AIDS must be cognizant of these cultural issues and the continuing cycle of poverty and abuse that put these women at risk.