HIV Criminalisation Defence Case Compendium
This HIV Criminalisation Defence Case Compendium aims to support lawyers acting for those who are alleged to have put others at risk of HIV. Based on research conducted in late 2017, it includes criminal cases from all over the world where strong defence arguments have resulted in an acquittal or reduced penalty for persons living with HIV who have been accused of HIV exposure, non-disclosure or transmission.
The Compendium is not intended to be comprehensive. It has been developed as a resource for a training of lawyers from Africa – “Lawyers for HIV and TB justice: Strategic litigation, legal defence and advocacy training” – held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 20-23 February 2018.
Sexual activity without condoms and risk of HIV transmission in serodifferent couples when the HIV-positive partner is using suppressive antiretroviral therapy
Reports findings of European prospective, observational (PARTNER) study to evaluate the rate of within-couple HIV transmission (heterosexual and men who have sex with men) during periods of sex without condoms when the HIV-positive partner had HIV-1 RNA load less than 200 copies/mL. Found no transmission after 1.3 years.
Estimating per-act HIV transmission risk: a systematic review
Reports analysis of recent studies on per-act HIV transmission risk and modifying factors. Includes risk associated with blood transfusion, vertical exposure, sexual exposures, and parenteral exposures. Finds the risk of HIV acquisition varied widely, with risk from sexual transmission substantially reduced by combined use of condoms and antiretroviral treatment of HIV-infected partners.


