HIV Prosecutions Guide
posted: 26/05/2009
A handy guide for people living with HIV about prosecutions for HIV transmission is now available. THT and NAT have produced this guide for people living with HIV.
Yusef Azad, Director of Policy and Campaigns, NAT, commented:
“Today the majority of investigations into HIV transmission do not go to court but they can still cause much distress for all involved. NAT is still campaigning for an end to prosecutions for reckless transmission of HIV through consensual sex. But while prosecutions occur we are working with THT to ensure that all those involved – lawyers, prosecutors, police, support organisations, healthcare workers and most importantly people living with HIV understand the law. Everybody living with HIV in England and Wales should read this leaflet.”
Lisa Power, Head of Policy, Terrence Higgins Trust, said:
"It's really important that everyone with HIV knows what the law says and does in relation to their lives. We've supported many people - both complainants and defendants - who got involved in prosecutions for passing HIV without taking proper advice and regretted it later. This leaflet would have helped them."
As well as producing guidance for individuals living with HIV, George House Trust, THT and NAT are working to ensure police investigate allegations of reckless or intentional HIV transmission appropriately.
With George House Trust assistance, THT recently produced the report Policing Transmission
Anyone concerned about prosecutions for HIV transmission in Northwest Engalnd should call George House Trust's services team 0161 274 4499 or email.
If you live outside Northwest England call THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.
The legal situation around transmission of HIV shifts and changes with each court case and this leaflet is brand new, but in the months ahead things may change. Information should be checked for accuracy if you are reading the Guide long past May 2009. Instead check the prosecutions pages of both NAT and THT using the links below.
THT and NAT's Guide to Prosecutions for HIV Transmission
Other information on the THT prosecutions page and at NAT's prosecutions page
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