Focusing a blog post about the impact of domestic violence (DV) on the Black community during Black History Month feels... inadequate. DV is a year-round crisis that disproportionately impacts Black people–particularly women–Every. Single. Minute.

The historical oppression of Black people and continued institutional racism have a significant impact on how DV is perceived, experienced, and addressed within Black communities and broader society.

Keeping in mind the importance of the intersection of DV and racism ALL the months, let’s take a look at the research on the relative prevalence of DV, unique barriers Black survivors face, impacts on the black community, and the complex work that needs to be done to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all survivors.

Domestic Violence Statistics Among Men and Women by Race

The prevalence of domestic violence statistics among men and women by race varies and is difficult to measure. However, the most recent CDC national survey data estimates that 47% of US women and 44% of men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

The stats are murkier for non-binary and gender-diverse folks, but multiple studies all point to even higher rates for these populations.

According to a 2016-2017 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, Black and Multiracial men and women had the highest rates of intimate partner violence across different racial and ethnic groups. The data below show reports of experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetimes.

DV Statistics: Men

Black: 57.6%
Multiracial: 51.5%
White 44%
Hispanic 40.3%

DV Statistics: Women

Multiracial: 63.8%
Black: 53.6%
White 48.4%
Hispanic: 42.1%

Additionally, Black women are murdered at nearly 3x the rate of white women.

The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community provides many data and statistics specific to domestic violence in the Black community:

Unique Issues and Barriers Contributing to DV in the Black Community

The disparities in domestic violence prevalence can be attributed to a complex interplay of historical injustices and continued systemic inequality that underpins the stressors and help-seeking ability that disproportionately and uniquely affects Black communities.

Systemic Racism and Discrimination

The pervasive effects of racist policies and practices that have built and sustained systemic barriers such as economic disenfranchisement, lack of access to healthcare, education, and a sense of safety from governmental systems, particularly law enforcement, all contribute to the risk factors for experiencing DV and the ability to get help.

Economic and Financial Barriers

Economic disparities and financial barriers play a significant role in the cycle of domestic violence. More restricted access to economic opportunities and the ability to build intergenerational wealth can trap Black survivors in abusive relationships with few resources to escape or seek help.

Mistrust in Law Enforcement and Government Systems

A profound mistrust in law enforcement and governmental systems stemming from a long history of discrimination, abuse, over-policing, police brutality, and mass incarceration discourages Black survivors from reporting abuse and seeking help. The very justified fears from the lived experience of being further victimized by the systems meant to offer help, the risk of exacerbating legal troubles for themselves or their abusive partner, or the fear that they or their partner will be mistreated or killed by police are contributing factors.

Lack of Quality Culturally Responsive Social Services

Racism experienced by support services, including healthcare, counseling, and domestic violence services, discourages Black survivors from reaching out again. Additionally, the scarcity of culturally competent services that understand the unique experiences of Black victims can be a significant barrier.

Historical Trauma, Cultural Norms and Stereotypes

The legacy of slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial discrimination has long-term effects on the mental health, social dynamics, and help-seeking of Black survivors. Norms about privacy, loyalty to the community, strength, resilience (the “Strong Black Woman” archetype), and a duty to not contribute to the criminalization of Black men discourage help-seeking. Additionally, Black survivors commonly rely on the church and religious resources for support, which often prioritize staying in a marriage.

Intersectionality of Oppression

The intersection of oppression and domestic violence within the Black community, particularly for Black women, is a multifaceted and deeply entrenched issue stemming from historical, systemic inequalities and social injustices. Black women face a unique combination of racism, sexism, and economic disparities that exacerbate their vulnerability to domestic violence. Structural barriers such as poverty, limited access to resources, and discriminatory practices within the criminal justice and healthcare systems further perpetuate cycles of abuse and hinder avenues for seeking help and support. Moreover, stereotypes and stigmas surrounding Black womanhood often silence their voices and diminish their experiences, making it harder to break free from abusive relationships and access the necessary assistance.

Micro, Mezzo, and Macro-Level Impacts of DV on Black Communities

Domestic violence impacts Black communities at multiple levels, reflecting deep and complex challenges:

Micro-Level Impacts

On an individual level, domestic violence profoundly affects Black women, with approximately 40% experiencing such violence in their lifetimes. This not only includes physical harm but also emotional and psychological trauma, which can lead to a cycle of suffering and silence due to stigma, fear of not being believed, and concerns about further victimization by systems meant to protect them.

Mezzo-Level Impacts

At the community level, the effects of domestic violence extend to children, families, and the broader social networks within the Black community. The stigma attached to domestic violence and the communal mistrust in law enforcement and social services hinder not only the reporting of abuse but also the effective delivery of support and intervention services. This leads to a perpetuation of violence and a lack of accessible resources for survivors seeking help.

Macro-Level Impacts

Systemically, domestic violence in the Black community is exacerbated by historical and ongoing racial injustices, including economic disparities, healthcare access limitations, and educational inequities. These systemic barriers increase the prevalence of risk factors for domestic violence and significantly hinder the ability of Black survivors to escape abuse. Discriminatory policies and practices within legal and government systems further complicate the response to and prevention of domestic violence, making it a pervasive issue with far-reaching societal implications.

Summary

Domestic violence on its own is a complex issue to understand and solve, but when it intersects with a legacy of slavery and ongoing systemic racism, we are left with an even more tangled web that amplifies the effects of domestic violence and creates additional barriers to seeking help and accessing support services. We will never end DV without ending the systematic injustices Black communities endure.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on the Black Community