A program of research on criminalization of sexuality, HIV and incarceration among marginalized women

Marginalized women (trans inclusive) living with and affected by HIV are disproportionately criminalized. This research will establish an empirical evidence base that documents the lived-experiences of criminalization and incarceration among sex workers and women living with HIV. The ultimate goal is to inform evidence-based law reform and interventions to redress over criminalization and negative effects of incarceration.

The objectives of this research program are to:

1. Document how evolving laws and policy frameworks governing sexuality (criminalization of sex work; criminalization of HIV non-disclosure) impact HIV care trajectories, sexual health and social inequities among sex workers and women living with HIV.
2. Describe and monitor the impacts of incarceration on HIV care trajectories and social outcomes among women living with HIV.
3. Identify and pilot novel structural and community-based interventions to mitigate the impact of incarceration on HIV care trajectories and social outcomes among women living with HIV.
4. Develop a research and training platform for innovative community-based participatory research approaches to inform program and policy interventions.