Rely on the perception, if any, of the HIV-infected individual as to whether or not notification could result in domestic violence. Explore severity of anticipated domestic violence to the HIV-infected individual. If you know whether our notifying a previous partner of their possible HIV exposure might put them at risk of being harmed by, or harming, someone they are currently involved with, it is important that you tell us about it. Make a referral to a licensed domestic violence service provider for all cases in which a risk, threat or history of any form of domestic violence is identified. A signed release will enable the provider to assist the infected individual in the future by being aware of progress on domestic violence issues.
Domestic violence is a medical issue, as well.
Obtain a signed release of information form, if at all possible. In all other cases partner notification should go forward. This will ensure that public health staff do not initiate steps to notify the partner before posttest counseling and domestic violence screening is completed. If partner notification has been deferred based upon a risk of domestic violence, consult with the public health officer when a decision must be made whether to proceed with partner notification when partner notification has been deferred. Help ensure that HIV partner notification assistance services are accessed in the event that the previously identified domestic violence concerns are resolved.