Gender-based violence (GBV) has generated interest from researchers and helping professionals since the surge of the women’s movement in the Philippines. Meanwhile, HIV-AIDS gained similar attention with the disclosure of the first case of the country in mid-80s. The intersectionality of these phenomena has been studied elsewhere but is yet to be investigated locally. With this in mind, this study attempted to explore the experiences of people with Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (PLHIVs) who have experienced GBV with focus on the subsequent psychosocial and mental health issues. The research generated data through focus group discussions with 24 purposively-sampled participants from highly vulnerable groups in three major Philippine cities. Thematic analysis revealed that the participants experienced sexual, emotional/psychological, economic, verbal, and physical forms of GBV along with manifestations of stigma and discrimination. There were also ensuing emotional and psychological trauma, depression, internalized homophobia, health risks, and risk-taking behaviors. It is valuable to consider that the consequent risk-taking and self-injurious tendencies may have played a role in the participants’ HIV infection.
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