Helping young women in South Africa access HIV prevention options after experiencing partner violence.
Official title: Meeting South African adolescent girls and young women who experience intimate partner violence where they are: Developing an implementation strategy for linkage to PrEP options
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10991502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping young girls and women in South Africa who have faced partner violence by finding better ways for them to access HIV prevention methods, like PrEP, so they can take charge of their health and feel empowered.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $211,141 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH137783-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescent girls and young women in South Africa who have experienced intimate partner violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience intimate partner violence or are outside the age range of 15-24 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to support adolescent girls and young women in South Africa who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) by developing strategies to connect them with HIV prevention methods, specifically pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The project will explore existing public health resources, such as rape crisis centers, to create pathways for these young women to access long-acting PrEP options. By integrating HIV prevention discussions into IPV care, the research seeks to empower these individuals and improve their sexual health outcomes. The approach involves formative work to understand the needs and barriers faced by this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to HIV prevention for young women affected by intimate partner violence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in integrating health services for vulnerable populations, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giovenco, Danielle — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Giovenco, Danielle
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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WINGS+PrEP: a mobile program to help women in the criminal-legal system start and stay on HIV prevention
A mobile-based program called WINGS+PrEP helps women in community supervision programs start and adhere to PrEP while addressing alcohol use and safety from violent partners.
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Connecting adolescent girls and young women who face partner violence to PrEP prevention options
This project will develop ways to help girls and young women (ages 15–24) who experience intimate partner violence in sub‑Saharan Africa access PrEP options like daily pills, the dapivirine ring, or injectable cabotegravir.
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PrEP support for women in probation, parole, or alternative programs who face heavy drinking and partner violence
A mobile program combines alcohol and partner-violence support with PrEP guidance to help women under community supervision start and stay on HIV prevention.
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Linking young women affected by partner violence to HIV prevention options
This project will develop ways to connect adolescent girls and young women who face intimate partner violence in sub‑Saharan Africa with PrEP choices like daily pills, a vaginal ring, or long‑acting injections.
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Relationship-focused program to reduce partner violence and boost PrEP use for young women in Kenya
This program offers relationship support, partner outreach, and PrEP education to help adolescent girls and young women in Kenya start and keep taking daily HIV prevention (PrEP).
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Improving access to HIV prevention for transgender and gender diverse individuals affected by violence.
This study is working to help transgender and gender-diverse people in Los Angeles County who are at high risk for HIV get and stay on PrEP, a medication that can prevent HIV, by addressing challenges like housing, money, and mental health, all while partnering with local organizations to make sure the support fits the
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.