Understanding Stigma

A MARK OF DISGRACE OR INFAMY;

A STAIN OR REPROACH, ON ONE’S REPUTATION

Stigma means different things to different people.

There may be a feeling of ‘us and them’. People who are stigmatised are marked out as being different and are blamed for that difference.

“SOME PEOPLE WHEN THEY HEAR THAT SOMEONE’S HIV POSITIVE – THEY’LL BE SEEING SOMEONE WHO’S DYING, SOMEONE WHO IS NOT SUPPOSED TO TOUCH ANYONE.”

Many people have fears, prejudices or negative attitudes about HIV. Stigma can result in people living with HIV being insulted, rejected, gossiped about and excluded from social activities. At its extreme, stigma can drive people to physical violence.

People living with HIV often feel nervous about telling others that they have HIV due to the fear of stigma or discrimination. This can lead to isolation and feeling unsupported, which can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.

HIV AWARENESS MONTH