violence in the past year.^[@ref4]^ While domestic violence can affect either gender, women are particularly at risk. In a recent survey in South Africa, one in three of the 759 women interviewed were living in an abusive relationship, with rates as high as 42% in some provinces.^[@ref5]^ In Zimbabwe, a national household survey reported that 19% of women and 17% of men had experienced physical violence at the hands of their partners during the preceding year.^[@ref4]^

In African countries, the association between domestic violence and HIV/AIDS is of particular concern. A number of reports from sub-Saharan Africa have revealed an association between violence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)^[@ref6]^ and, more specifically, HIV infection in women.^[@ref7]-[@ref13]^ A range of associations between domestic violence and HIV has also been documented. Acts ofwas then conducted with the head of household. At the time of enumeration of the household members, one person in the 18-32 year age range was randomly selected. The selected household member was then invited to participate in the study. Up to two repeat visits were made until contact was established with the selected household member.

Enumerated household members were considered eligible to participate in the baseline survey if they were aged 18-32 years, had lived in the community at least 4 months in the past year, and slept regularly in their household at least 2 nights per week. Minimum recruitment goals for each community were at least 200 individuals in each of 8 study communities in Zimbabwe. A total of 5116 households were visited, of which 95.3% were