According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS), more than one-half (53.6%) of the Black women surveyed experienced sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking that was committed by an intimate partner during their lifetimes. Black women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) face unique challenges, often shaped by the intersecting identities of ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. IPV within this community also occurs within a "web of trauma," which includes historical trauma, family violence, structural violence, institutional violence, cultural violence, and community violence. Black survivors also disproportionately experience reproductive coercion, non-fatal strangulation, and domestic homicide, with many also coping with IPV-related PTSD and depression.
To address these complex issues, Dr. West and Ms. Doris O’Neal developed the 4-part National Resource Center on Domestic Violence’s Technical Assistance Guidance Series: Serving Black Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (see
https://drcarolynwest.com/publications/).
Based on these guides, this interactive presentation will give participants the tools and practical strategies to identify, reach, and effectively serve Black women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) by providing survivor-centered, culturally-responsive, trauma-informed, strengths-based care. Additionally, presenters will explore effective strategies for addressing the unique challenges Black survivors face when navigating systems of support.
