Women who insist on the use of condoms or refuse to have sex with their partner because of STIs or because they believe he might have multiple sex partners risk rejection, rape or a beating.

Speaking at the 5th Pacific Regional Meeting on Violence Against Women at the Naviti Resort, UNIFEM Pacific Regional Program Director Elizabeth Cox said the link between violence against women and contracting HIV Aids is not that apparent but it becomes clear when one understands gender and human rights.