Mind Women’s Health

Black Women Coping with Violence and Trauma

Black women with Trauma
Written by Grace Eno

The National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence report that 45.1% of Black women have experienced domestic violence.

It’s time to break the silence. Violence against women in the Black community is widespread, and we must engage in honest conversations about it. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Black women experience violence at higher rates than white women. In fact, the Nebraska News Service reports that for every 100,000 female violence victims, Black women face the highest rate at 2.55%.

Too often, Black women suffer in silence, enduring violence and trauma with little support. Tragically, many have lost their lives because of it. The statistics are harrowing: Black women are six times more likely to be murdered than white women.

We’ve been expected to be strong for so long, but how much more can we endure? How much longer will we stand by and watch the women we love—our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends—suffer through violence that leaves lasting scars?

What pains me most is that discussions about violence against Black women are often limited to physical abuse. But what about sexual violence, emotional abuse, psychological trauma, and other forms of harm? All of these inflict deep scars, leave lasting trauma, and carry stigmas that we may bear for years—if we survive at all.

How Race and Gender Affect Experiences of Trauma

In 2016, I truly understood the meaning of losing a close friend. Lois just got married, but I could tell she wasn’t happy. When I asked her about it, she brushed it off. Soon after, she began to pull away from everyone, even her own family. The next I heard was devastating—she was dead. She was killed by the very man she loved while carrying his baby. 

Years later, Lois’s death opened my eyes to how sexism and violence are intertwined, creating a complex web of oppression that disproportionately affects Black women. But this struggle begins long before womanhood. Lois and I grew up in the same neighborhood, where violence and family instability were common. It wasn’t unusual for us to witness or experience violence. 

Societal stereotypes like “YOU ARE A STRONG BLACK WOMAN” were ingrained in us, making it impossible to acknowledge our pain or confront our trauma. As a result, Black women often carry and experience trauma in ways unique to our communities.

In my own life, I have dealt with micro-aggressions at work and endured gendered violence in an intimate relationship—all shaped by the environment I grew up in. Sadly, women in our community are not even safe in the hands of systemic structures like law enforcement. Is it surprising that Black adults have the highest PTSD rate of 9%? It’s important that we know and share the resources that can help us heal from violence and trauma.

The Stigma and Challenges of Accessing Mental Health Care

Stigma within our community

  • Seeking therapy is stigmatized in our communities. ACA reports that some members of our community think therapy is only for “crazy” people
  • Cultural norms like “Therapy is for the weak” also perpetuate stigma
  • Mistrust of the US medical system contributes to stigma
  • Cultural norms of silence and faith can also hinder seeking help

These are some reasons it will take time to break this chain of stigma

Challenges of accessing mental health care

Despite the way violence and trauma have negatively impacted the Black community, many sistas still find it challenging to get mental health support.

  • Financial constraints limit access to mental health support
  • Many therapists often fail to address the unique issues faced by Black women

However, if all hands are on deck, this problem will be addressed earlier than anticipated. Religious leaders, community leaders, and even local influencers must work with government agencies to address this issue. 

The Effects of Racism and Sexism on Health and the Power of Community Support

Black women have been known to endure racism and sexism, but this is not to say that it doesn’t affect them negatively. According to a 2013 publication by NIH, racism influences our mental health and well-being, while a 2019 publication by La Trobe University said sexism is linked to poor psychological and physical health in Black women. 

Although some violence and trauma Black women experience comes from our communities, we still get strength and healing from the same community. Our families, friends, social organizations, and faith groups provide safe spaces where we can tell our stories, get guidance, and find solace. 

The faith group I belong to helped in my healing process. Finding a community that works for you is key.  Also, you can start your healing journey from online platforms like Therapy for Black Girls and Black Girl Heals

The Path to Healing

When it comes to coping with violence and trauma, it is personal for us, but it can also be collective. Here are some key steps you can take towards healing:

  1. Culturally competent care: This is not just a preference, but a necessity. According to Fountain House, cultural competence is key to solving the problem of mental health in Blacks.
  1. Change systemic injustice: We must work to change the systemic injustices that fuel violence and trauma in our communities.
  2. Address stigma within our communities: We must also address the stigma surrounding mental health within our own communities, recognizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We don’t expect the road to be easy, but our resilience as Black women shines bright like the morning sun. Elevate Black Health recommends that women find safe spaces, focus on self-care, and push for systemic change. While we continue navigating our complex experiences with strength, pride, and grace, we should always remember that healing is not just possible; it is a revolutionary movement. 

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About the author

Grace Eno

Gracy is a dedicated family person, a seasoned writer with years of experience, and a passionate advocate for racial justice. Her work reflects her commitment to inspiring and uplifting others.

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