Abusive relationships can lead to STD infections

HIV infection can happen to anyone who does not practice safe sex, but some populations are particularly at risk. People who are in abusive relationships are often forced to engage in sexual behavior that they may not be comfortable with, and this behavior can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has found that nearly half of African-American adolescent girls surveyed reported that their partner did not use a condom the last time they had sex, usually because their partner was acting in an abusive manner. This supports past research which found that 12 percent of HIV infections among women happen because of partner abuse.

Researchers say that promoting healthy relationships among teens and educating them on the signsthat they are being abused is key to curbing this problem.

"[Education] is necessary for primary prevention of the intersecting epidemics of partner abuse and HIV/STIs [sexually transmitted infections]," said author Julie Tennille, M.S.W, L.S.W.