Black women are approximately eight percent of the United States’ population but comprise about 29 percent of women who experience domestic violence.
BY KEISHA BELL | Visionary Brief
Do you know a black woman who has been a victim of domestic violence? Black women are approximately eight percent of the United States’ population but comprise about 29 percent of women who experience domestic violence, according to data compiled by the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community.
Interestingly, black women are less likely than white women to use social services, battered women’s programs or seek medical treatment for her injuries. Have you ever wondered why?
Some will cite religious beliefs, habits/traditions, poverty, lack of education, unemployment or an unsafe or distrusting feeling about programs designed to help her as reasons that hinder her from seeking assistance. Others will note that she does not seek help because of the shame-like silence surrounding the issue when the victim is black and a woman.
Preconceived messages such as “divorce is a sin” may limit the support she believes she will receive within faith-based communities. Her internal conflict to protect her perpetrator may restrict her communication regarding the kind of support she may desire from her family and friends.
Historically, African-American women have endured countless horrendous occurrences of domestic violence. At times, she has had no protections. Although laws have changed and she has been afforded increased opportunities, does her “history” play a role in desensitizing how others react to her inflicted wounds? Does her ancestry linkage play a part, albeit subconscious, in how she perceives herself in these situations?
Domestic violence is not a black women’s problem; however, black women are disproportionately affected by it. Because of this disparity, the silence concerning this issue is troubling to some and potentially fatal to others. If she has children who have witnessed her abuse, its effects trickle into the next generation, continuing its ancestry linkage.
Meet Catherine Weaver, an artist, business owner, community leader and a domestic violence survivor. Like many who have experienced physical, psychological, emotional, financial or sexual abuse, Weaver did not initially recognize she was being abused.
Artist Catherine Weaver
