Domestic Violence and African Americans
African Americans, including African American Women suffer deadly violence from
family members at rates decidedly higher than other racial groups in the United States.
However, it is observed that research concerning family violence among African
Americans is inadequate.
Factors such as the breakdown of families, unemployment and underemployment, poor
schools, inadequate vocational skills and training, bad housing, the influence and use
of drugs, and the density of liquor stores in the inner city contribute to the problem of
domestic violence. All of these ingredients may compound and coalesce into a strong
undercurrent of frustration that can lead to domestic violence.
A Painful Dilemma
Many Black women may find it harder to leave a battering relationship than White
women. The reasons for this are unclear, but some possible explanations include the
following: (1) African American women have fewer options in their search for a marital
partner than do White women; (2) African American women on average, have a lower
income level than that of most White women; (3) Black women are reluctant to call the
police because they see the racial injustice in the criminal justice system; (4)
community support systems including women’s shelters and other service programs
may be less available to them and they may view the shelter system movement as
something mainly to benefit White women. Unfortunately, many Black women resort to
“homicide” as an answer to the violence and battering they encounter.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE
African Americans, including African American Women suffer deadly violence from
family members at rates decidedly higher than other racial groups in the United States.
However, it is observed that research concerning family violence among African
Americans is inadequate.
Factors such as the breakdown of families, unemployment and underemployment, poor
schools, inadequate vocational skills and training, bad housing, the influence and use
of drugs, and the density of liquor stores in the inner city contribute to the problem of
domestic violence. All of these ingredients may compound and coalesce into a strong
undercurrent of frustration that can lead to domestic violence.
A Painful Dilemma
Many Black women may find it harder to leave a battering relationship than White
women. The reasons for this are unclear, but some possible explanations include the
following: (1) African American women have fewer options in their search for a marital
partner than do White women; (2) African American women on average, have a lower
income level than that of most White women; (3) Black women are reluctant to call the
police because they see the racial injustice in the criminal justice system; (4)
community support systems including women’s shelters and other service programs
may be less available to them and they may view the shelter system movement as
something mainly to benefit White women. Unfortunately, many Black women resort to
“homicide” as an answer to the violence and battering they encounter.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE
Teen Domestic Violence Fact
Sheets
Statistics
Information Fact Sheet about
Parents
DATING 101
Sheets
Statistics
Information Fact Sheet about
Parents
DATING 101
| (c) 2011. Trenette Wilson. All rights reserved. |
Partner to Make a Difference
Beyond any health care facing
the urban community, dating and
domestic violence is the leading
cause of death and injury.
February is Teen Dating Violence
Prevention and Awareness
Month, get involved and find out
the facts.
the urban community, dating and
domestic violence is the leading
cause of death and injury.
February is Teen Dating Violence
Prevention and Awareness
Month, get involved and find out
the facts.
www.urbangirlz.org
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