By Anonymous Author
When discussing HIV, an essential aspect of the conversation is intersectionality, or understanding that oftentimes those faced with HIV also have other identities that cause them to be marginalized. So often, HIV does not get the focus it deserves due to the fact that so many people who contract it are already part of marginalized groups, like the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. In addition, the conversation surrounding these communities often oversees another subgroup of individuals at risk to contracting HIV--victims of sexual assault and rape.
Rape victims often fall victim to a phenomenon called polyvictimization. Polyvictimization refers to the act of being triggered or re-traumatized by experiences loosely, but not directly, related to their assault. One primary example of polyvictimization includes the emotionally traumatic process of reporting sexual assault or rape. One can also experience polyvictimization in regard to other processes that take place concurrently with the healing process. Even for victims who do not report, there are countless ways that they can be poly victimized.
For example, the process of receiving medical care in light of an assault can cause victims to be re-traumatized. Though I did not report my own rape, I did get a physical examination done. Because I had been involved with HIV/AIDS advocacy in the past, I knew that rape was a common way that HIV spread. Despite knowing the fact, being told of this possibility while sitting in a paper gown in the medical unit of Philly SVU evoked a feeling I can not adequately articulate. There is a deep feeling of loss knowing you could have contracted such a stigmatized illness as a result of an already traumatic experience. I have never been as relieved as when I went in for my second check in two weeks after and tested negative.
In addition to polyvictimization, stigma is a major contributor to why this issue is so prevalent. The intersection of two stigmatized events is a seemingly insurmountable burden. Yet it is a burden that people are faced with far too often. Moreover, the stigma of rape prevents so many survivors from obtaining the support they need, causing them to be potentially unaware they have HIV at all. The discourse surrounding rape and stigma has come a long way in recent years given the me too movement, but until the conversation surrounding HIV changes, we will be unable to fully advocate for victims.