Faculty Collaboration Database

Charges for criminal exposure to HIV and aggravated prostitution filed in the Nashville, Tennessee Prosecutorial Region 2000-2010. AIDS Behav 2013 Oct;17(8):2624-36

Date

01/23/2013

Pubmed ID

23338564

Pubmed Central ID

PMC4060526

DOI

10.1007/s10461-013-0408-1

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84885424160 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   24 Citations

Abstract

This paper examines comprehensive data on arrests for HIV-specific crimes within a single jurisdiction, the Nashville Tennessee prosecutorial region, over 11 years. There were 25 arrests for HIV exposure and 27 for aggravated prostitution. Eleven of the arrests for HIV exposure involved nonsexual behaviors; none alleged transmission. Sixteen of the arrests for HIV exposure involved sexual behavior; three alleged transmission. Aggravated prostitution cases (i.e. prostitution while knowing one has HIV) often involved solicitation of oral sex; none alleged transmission. Maximum sentences for HIV-specific crimes ranged from 5 to 8 years. We conclude that enforcement of US HIV-specific laws is underestimated. Fifty-two arrests over 11 years were recorded in one jurisdiction. Over half of the arrests involved behaviors posing minimal or no HIV transmission risk. Despite concerns about malicious, intentional HIV transmission, no cases alleged malice or intention.

Author List

Galletly CL, Lazzarini Z

Author

Carol L. Galletly JD, PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Crime Victims
Criminal Law
Female
HIV Seropositivity
Health Policy
Humans
Incidence
Law Enforcement
Male
Middle Aged
Public Health
Sex Work
Sexual Behavior
Tennessee
Truth Disclosure