Because HIV infection is primarily transmitted during sexual intercourse or through the exchange of contaminated blood, sexual violence victims are at high risk for contracting AIDS. Three elements generally need to be present for transmission of the virus through sexual intercourse: frequent sexual contact with an infected individual; large dose of the virus; and sexual activity that results in trauma or bleeding. Not all victims have been sexually assaulted on a single occasion by a single perpetrator. Child sexual assault victims, for example, are often abused for months by the same offender. Pedophiles usually assault many children before their actions are disclosed. It is extremely unlikely, however, that incestuous fathers or pedophiles are HIV infected because they do not engage in the high-risk behavior of repeated, unprotected intercourse with unknown or multiple adult partners. The primary roles of rape crisis centers are crisis intervention and ongoing emotional support for sexual violence victims. Center staff and volunteers also serve as a source of information to victims and should therefore receive AIDS education. Issues to consider in AIDS testing include reasons for testing, consent, and confidentiality. Recommendations to enhance rape crisis center operations are listed, and additional information on AIDS transmission and testing is appended.