Gender-based violence and HIV have a particular impact on women in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on qualitative research with women in Ethiopia, this article explores the intersection between these two issues. It examines HIV transmission in the context of both intimate partner violence and wider gender-based violence, focusing on infidelity, multiple sexual partners, rape and sex work. We argue that the participants viewed HIV transmission as a form of gender-based violence in its own right. Women often could not afford to protect themselves from either gender-based violence or HIV because of gender inequality and poverty.