Social relations and empowerment of sexual partners of i.v. drug users.

This paper examines social relations and roles of women sexual partners of IV drug users. It is argued that the Island socio-cultural environment does not provide the socio-structural conditions for individuals to organize groups and get the power to solve community problems. It is further assumed that individuals have resources in some of the positions they occupy. Therefore, ascertaining which resources are prevalent in which positions will allow interventionists to start the empowerment process. The data shows that IV drug users' sexual partners have a steady income from food stamp programs. They support the family, are heads of households, and are responsible for child rearing. The paper discusses how these resources can be used to start women getting the power to solve their problems and consequently prevent HIV transmission.