Womens perceptions of the reasons of physical and sexual abuse after requesting safe sex in a sexual relationship to prevent HIV and AIDS

Women reported to have experienced physical and sexual violence after suggesting safe sex practice. The purpose of this study was to explore women`s perceptions of the reasons of physical and sexual abuse after requesting safe sex in a sexual relationship in order to prevent HIV and AIDS. A qualitative research study was carried out from 27 November to 13 December 2013. Twelve semi-structured questions were used to interview thirty female clients who used any method of family planning offered at Motebang Hospital in Maternal and Health department and they were purposively selected. The results indicated that 77% got positive responses in the first attempt of suggesting practising safe sex and reported feeling good after the male partners` positive reaction. 23% of the participants got negative responses from their male partners and also reported bad feelings afterwards. With regard to wet sex practise in the era of HIV/AIDS, 26 participants mentioned that they were practising wet sex because it was enjoyable, did not hurt and others it was because they were advised at the health facility to practise safe sex in order to prevent HIV re-infection. The rest of four participants mentioned that they practised both wet and dry sex depending on the mood of the male partner. In exploring preferred ways of communicating to men about safe sex in sexual relationships; 7% suggested manipulating the partner with delicious meals, 20% persuade partner to attend clinic as a couple, 17% respect each other by explaining the importance of condom use, consequences of not using a condom and 37% talk as usual to the partner and find a way to include safe sex information. In identifying ways of reducing physical and sexual violence among women, 20% participants thought that violent men should be taken to jail, 17% thought there was a need to provide health education to men and 30% thought that the matter was supposed to be reported to the police. The study revealed that 39% participants experienced some form of discomfort after requesting condom use in their sexual relationships. 7% felt very bad and sad, 10% sad and afraid, 5% felt like prostitute, 10% disappointed and 7% bored and insecure. It is recommended that health information should be used when suggesting condom use in a sexual relationship as it has proved not to bring negativity which might result in physical and sexual violence. The male partners who refuse to use condoms require on-going counselling and psychosocial support so that with time they might view condom usage positively. Women should be taught at health facilities and in their communities on how to communicate effectively on condom usage in order to minimise physical and sexual violence.

Publisher: Stellenbosch University
Year of Publication: 2014