Alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: establishing the link based on empirical evidence

Abstract

The existence of gender-based violence has been a source of concern within the public and private sectors as well as civil society organisations in Botswana. The present study investigated the link between alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. Further, it attempted to unravel the often unquestioned assumption that gender-based violence is perpetuated by cultural practices. Case study qualitative methodology was used to gather data for the study. A sample of 20 cases was selected purposively from five women's non-governmental organisations. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with agency coordinators, social workers, police commanders and police officers. The findings of the study revealed a relationship between alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, which makes victims vulnerable to HIV infection. From the findings, it is recommended that gender-based programmes be established to sensitise people about the link between alcohol abuse, genderbased violence and HIV/AIDS.

Keywords

• gender-based violence
• alcohol abuse
• HIV/AIDS
• Botswana
• poverty
• NGOs