Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Black women often feel obligated to put racial issues ahead of sex-based issues.
Because of this, they face unique challenges when dealing with issues such as domestic violence.
Consequently, their first response is not to report.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Instead, they opt to protect the men involved and their community.
According to some advocates, Black women feel like they need to be strong.
For many Black women, asking for help would be a sign of weakness.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
What Is Domestic Violence?
But most domestic violence cases involve abusive men who seriously injure their victims.
Statistics also indicate that:
Despite such statistics, violence against Black women often goes unreported.
Instead, many Black women suffer in silence.
Statistics show that Black women are more likely to die due to intimate partner violence.
As a result, they remain silent.
Unfortunately, many Black women do not believe the police are there to protect them.
Meanwhile, others worry about the consequences their partners might suffer at the hands of the police.
To them, it is just too big of a risk to take.
Black women do not want their families broken apart.
Instead, they want their partners to change and to be healed.
They do not want them in prison.
Fear of Judgement
There are other reasons that Black women do not call the police.
For instance, they are afraid of being judged by their community.
They also do not want to look like a traitor to their race.
Religious communities can be a source of support.
They are punished for not being “good victims.”
Victims of intimate partner violence may also put their personal needs aside in favor of family unity and strength.
Unfortunately, not reporting violence simply allows it to continue unchallenged.
What Needs to Change?
Consequently, the Black community needs pastors and other men in their churches to stand up against domestic violence.
Better Training for Law Enforcement
Another area of improvement includes providing additional training of local police forces.
They need to understand all of the unique challenges Black women face when reporting domestic abuse.
This empathy and understanding would create a sense of security in reporting abuse.
Victims of violence need to see that their local police want to help and keep them safe.
Until they are convinced of that, it is highly unlikely they will report the abuse they are experiencing.
Nothing is more detrimental to a victim’s recovery than feeling like they have brought shame to their community.
They can also dispel any worries or concerns about asking for help.
But the challenges they face in getting the help they need often leave them feeling alone and isolated.
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