This study focuses on the key drivers and risk factors of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in post-conflict Sierra Leone. It will explore the ways in which these risk factors are driven by sexual violence and exploitation (SVE). In addition, the research will examine the social norms and pressures that shape roles, rights, responsibilities, and sexual relationships in post-conflict situations and how these processes impact on SVE and HIV/AIDS. The main objectives of the research are to examine the nature and extent of SVE and its impact on women’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, to identify the key drivers of HIV/AIDS and to examine the perceptions about the causes and consequences of SVE. Moreover, this research will elaborate on the rights and responsibilities of different actors in dealing with sexual violence and exploitation, and examine how gender inequalities and norms including masculinities are socially constructed and how these processes impact on SVE and HIV/AIDS.