Abstract

AIDS: New York's new contact tracing law may result in increased incidences of domestic violence. The Department of Health needs to develop a protocol for identifying and protecting individuals who may be most at risk for physical or emotional abuse as a result of disclosing their HIV status, or because an abusive partner has just been diagnosed as HIV-positive. The Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is working to define the scope of the problem and its potential solutions. AVP is also asking for laws that recognize violence in same-sex relationships, and in situations where a young person lives with abusive parents or guardians, as serious issues.