Knowledge Synthesis Grants
Gender Based Violence
SSHRC & WAGE

Title:
Gender-Based Violence Against Immigrants and Refugees Living with HIV/HIV-Risk in Canada:
A Systematic Review
Research Team:
Rita Dhungel, University of the Fraser Valley
Liza Lorenzetti, University of Calgary
Diane L. Lorenzetti, University of Calgary
Karun K. Karki, University of the Fraser Valley
Sarah Thomas, University of Calgary
Claire McGuinness, University of Calgary
Kaleb Suedfeld, University of the Fraser Valley
About the project:
Immigrant and refugee women in Canada bear a disproportionate burden of HIV and HIV risk,
and simultaneously experience a greater risk of gender-based violence (GBV), including
interpersonal, community, and structural violence. The observed increase in multiple forms of
GBV during the recent COVID-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need for research-informed
progressive policies, practices, and community services to support this population.
Understanding the impact of systemic racism and sexism within the context of immigrant and
refugee women’s dual experiences of HIV/HIV-risk and GBV (HIV/GBV) is necessary to
effectively develop comprehensive strategies that can challenge structural barriers and promote
equity, social inclusion, and psycho-social well-being. This project sought to understand:
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How systemic racism and sexism impact immigrant and refugee women’s dual
experiences of HIV/GBV?
What policies, programs, or services, or lack there-of, support or create barriers for
immigrant and refugee women experiencing HIV/GBV and what changes are required.?

A systematic review of the broadly defined literature focusing on GBV and immigrants and
refugees living with HIV/HIV-risk (IRLWH/HIV-risk) was conducted to explore how systemic
racism, sexism, and social stigma intersect to escalate the vulnerability of immigrant and refugee
women in Canada. A review of Canadian HIV-related policies and programs was also
undertaken to identify existing initiatives and policy, program, and service recommendations to
address the specific issues and concerns of this population.
The findings from this project were analyzed through a neo-colonial and transnational feminist
lens. A socio-ecological framework further guided the identification and articulation of themes.

Key findings:
An underlying thematic plot emerged from the literature that centers on the intersecting
oppressions of racism, sexism, and migration status, coupled with the invisibilization of
IRWLH/HIV-risk and GBV. We further noted the absence of population-specific identifiers,
findings, policies, and recommendations in much of this research. Four key themes emerged
from this narrative:
o

Hegemonic masculinity. This pervasive oppressive force impacts the personal,
interpersonal, community, and institutional experiences of racialized IRWLH/HIV-risk and
GBV. Factors such as the objectification and commodification of women; rights/agency to
negotiate condom use with partners, husbands, and sex service users; and the normalization
of financial and emotional oppression and physical and sexual violence by male actors
(husband, sex service users, etc.) contribute to heighten the risk of HIV and GBV prior to
and post diagnosis.

o

Structural Violence. Structural violence against racialized immigrant and refugee women is
predicated on the intersecting factors of race, gender, and migration status, and is enshrined
within systems, social norms, and relational practices. Legislators employ policies (e.g.,
migration) and activate policing and surveillance practices that are linked to harassment,
intimidation, and physical and sexual assault by state actors, such as police and immigration
officers. Structural violence is further exacerbated in community (sex service users,
procurers) and family (husbands/partners) spheres. This can adversely impact HIV/GBV
reporting for immigrant and refugee women at enhanced risk for deportation and/or
imprisonment (e.g., sex workers), and subject to judgements by community and family, and
internalized shame and stigma.

o

Deepened Social Isolation and Exclusion. Racialized IRWLH/HIV-risk and GBV
experience a myriad of intersectional oppressions that substantially impact their personal
and interpersonal lives. Moreover, stigma, social isolation, and limited support networks can
further exacerbate their risk of HIV and GBV, and increase reluctance to seek out HIV/GBV
services such as antiretroviral therapy and support for mental and emotional well-being.

o

Health and Social Service Disparities. At the policy level, HIV-disclosure laws,
inadequate legal protections, and criminalization of sex work can increase the risk of
HIV/GBV and negatively impact help-seeking behaviours. The absence of culturally and
linguistically appropriate health and social services that incorporate the dual lens of
HIV/GBV, and potential exposure to racism and HIV-related discrimination/stigma by
health professionals can limit willingness to access available health and social services.
Policy Implications:
o

Call for Visibility. The absence of critical discourse on the experiences, rights, and
service needs of racialized IRWLH/HIV-risk and GBV by researchers, policymakers,
health and social service providers, and community actors, specifically through the lens
of race and racism, marginalizes this population within the realms of Canadian policy,
academia, service provision, and public discourse. There is an urgent need to focus future
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research efforts on raising awareness of the significant racist hetero-patriarchal factors
that profoundly impact the lives of these women.
o

Transformational Change. The commodification of migrants and sex workers, and the
dehumanization experienced by IRWLH/GBV, calls for transformational reform to
address issues of racism and objectification of women. The development,
implementation, and prioritization of progressive and humanizing policies and antioppressive services are necessary for social norms change. Policies and services must
center the voices of racialized IRWLH/HIV-risk and be rooted in an anti-oppressive,
culturally relevant, and primary prevention framework.

Further information:
Dr. Rita Dhungel (Principal Investigator)
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work and Human Services, University of the Fraser
Valley.
Email: Rita.Dhungel@ufv.ca

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