Women in resource-constrained, postdisaster, urban enclaves, such as Haiti’s Cité Soleil, are at risk for nonpartner sexual violence (NPSV) by multiple perpetrators, and subsequently, psychological trauma and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. These biopsychosocial risks suggest that NPSV victims may benefit from an adapted evidence-based intervention for sexually transmitted infection (EBI-STI) that includes a trauma component. Yet there is a dearth of knowledge on trauma symptoms experienced by victims in Haiti.

Culturally sound health research and culturally relevant interventions are foundational to health promotion and disease prevention around the globe, especially for vulnerable populations in low-and middle-income countries who bear a disproportionate burden of sociodemographic and structural adversities, including gender-based violence and nonpartner sexual violence. There is a limited amount of scientific knowledge regarding the promotion of health equity for Haitian populations and about the challenges of cross-cultural practice and research among them.