Partner Notification and the Threat of Domestic Violence against Women with HIV Infection

The general assumption is that it makes good sense from the of public health, for a patient to notify sexual partners of his or positive HIV status. . . . If a patient does not disclose her positive status partners, health care providers and public health authorities are expected trace and notify them. Notification protocols must be reexamined in the of another epidemic affecting women -- the epidemic of domestic. . . . To minimize the risk of violence to an HIV-infected woman, pre- post-test counseling must include a safety plan if the physician intends notify the partner. Notification must be delayed until a plan is in place protect the patient from harm. Of course, if there is no indication of a of violence against the woman, the provider should follow public health with respect to partner notification.