During Black History Month, we believe it is important to call attention to the reality that members of the Black community face and experience disproportionate rates of violence in comparison to many other communities. It’s important to acknowledge this reality and examine intersections in efforts to work towards solutions and equity.

Disparities in domestic violence:

• Higher rates: Black women experience domestic violence at higher rates than other racial groups, with over 40% reporting it in their lifetime. Black LGBTQ+ individuals are also disproportionately affected.
• Barriers to support: Structural inequalities like poverty and discrimination create barriers to accessing support services for Black survivors. These may include transportation issues, fear of stigma, and distrust of the legal system.
• Increased vulnerability: Black women are three times more likely than white women to be killed by an intimate partner, highlighting the heightened dangers they face.

In addition, more than half of non-Hispanic Black women (53.6%) and men (57.6%) in the United States have reported experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes. Black women are three times more likely than white women to be killed by a male intimate partner, and Black LGBTQ+ survivors are nearly twice as likely to experience physical violence from a partner than those who are not LGBTQ+ and Black. (Learn more in these factsheets from Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community.)

Historically, despite these alarming statistics, the mainstream responses of the movement to end gender-based violence have continually harmed Black victims and survivors through continued reliance on the criminal legal system and other systems that exacerbate violence and trauma. Moreover, too few dollars, both public and private, are directed to culturally specific programs serving Black survivors. We know that there is always more work to be done, and that committing to supporting and learning from Black-led domestic violence organizations is what will help to bring about the change our movement needs.

Honoring Black history through action:

• Amplifying Black voices: Center the experiences and perspectives of Black survivors in conversations about domestic violence. Support Black-led organizations working on this issue.
• Addressing systemic issues: Advocate for policies that address poverty, discrimination, and unequal access to healthcare and legal services, which contribute to domestic violence.
• Celebrating resilience: Recognize the strength and resilience of Black survivors and communities overcoming this challenge. Highlight Black individuals and organizations working to end domestic violence.

Resources:

• Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community: https://www.ujimacommunity.org/
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): https://nnedv.org/
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Someplace Safe: 800-974-3359

Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, but addressing violence within this context is crucial for building a more just and equitable society and services for all survivors all year long.