Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
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Abstract #649  -  Meaning and morality: Homosexually active mens reflections on criminal prosecutions for sexually transmitted HIV in the UK
Session:
  52.3: Exploring discourses and practices of responsibility in the context of HIV (Workshop) on Tuesday @ 13.00-14.00 in CP Chaired by Jeanne Ellard
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr Catherine Dodds - University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
 
  Additional Authors:  Mr Gary  Hammond, Mr Peter Weatherburn, Mr Ford Hickson, Dr Peter Keogh, Mr David Reid, Ms Laurie Henderson,  
Aim:
Study Objectives: Twelve criminal prosecutions for the sexual transmission of HIV have occurred the United Kingdom since 2001, with further cases pending. Only two of these (both in 2006) were for the sexual transmission of HIV between two men. This investigation examines the ways in which notions of responsibility were articulated when homosexually active men were asked to reflect on their support for such criminal prosecutions.
 
Method / Issue:
Method: The Gay Mens Sex Survey is an annual periodic survey of homosexually active men living in the UK. In the 2006 online version, men were asked: Do you think it is a good idea to imprison people who know they have HIV if they pass it to sexual partners who do not know they have it?
 
Results / Comments:
Results: Approximately 11,000 men completed the survey online. Qualitative thematic analysis on their responses is underway. Early results indicate that the majority of men who are currently HIV-negative or untested continue to expect that an HIV positive partner will disclose their status prior to sexual contact. Among these men, criminal prosecutions for sexual HIV transmission seem to confirm their belief that avoidance of HIV exposure and transmission is primarily the responsibility of men with (diagnosed) HIV.
 
Discussion:
Discussion: It is likely that criminal prosecutions are undermining HIV prevention efforts to encourage Gay and Bisexual men to explore their own assumptions about the HIV status of their sexual partners. Having a better understanding of the shifting discourses of sexual responsibility, in a setting where criminal prosecutions are likely to continue, will help those involved in planning HIV prevention to re-examine current messages.
 
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