• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / / Domestic Violence: Are Black Women Victimized More?

Domestic Violence: Are Black Women Victimized More?

A portrait of a family, with the father in front and the mother and daughter in the backgroundDomestic violence, or intimate partner violence, against black women, has a major impact on their health. Higher rates of abused victims are reported in black women compared to white women, and often result in many dangerous and shocking health symptoms.

In communities where limited resources are available such as transportation, employment opportunities, affordable medical care, social and mental health services, homeless and domestic violence shelters, police protection, and legal services, African American women tend to stay with their abusive partners.

  • Women in abusive relationships are at higher risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases and higher rates of vaginal bleeding and infection.
  • Mostly due to a lower salary scale among African Americans, black women receive less alimony/child support after divorce compared to their Caucasian counterparts, and as a result return to their abusive partners.
  • Cultural norms among violently-abused black women make leaving their partners difficult. Often, attempts to leave are, initially, not successful.

When it comes to domestic violence and black women, it is vital to screen for domestic violence victims in outpatient clinics and intervene with behavior therapy like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that initiates their cognition, consciousness and self-evaluation. Health care providers need to increase their awareness of the limitations of an abused patient’s ability to seek help and also focus on their health maintenance regimen.

Experts have identified five cognitive steps that may help black women evaluate their abusive situations and increase their ability to change that situation:

You May Also Like
7 Proven Ways to Cure an Upset Stomach

Non-acknowledgment (pre-contemplation). Many victims of domestic violence have isolated themselves from the situation by denying the severity of it. This includes the common tendency of blaming themselves for the abuse, or being too afraid to act.

Acceptance (contemplation). With positive reinforcement, encouragement, and a solid support system, victims of domestic violence can better acknowledge the dangerous situation they are in, accept that the only person at fault is the abuser, take comfort in the fact that they are not alone, and that the abuse does not have to continue.

Thinking about other options (preparation). After accepting the seriousness of their situation and understanding that they deserve better, domestic violence victims need to formulate an actionable plan to make the abuse stop.

Ready to start actions (action). After putting their plan together, women suffering from domestic violence and their support system need to work together to help the woman leave the abusive situation. Subsequent steps should include continued mental health counseling, physical exams, and assistance in establishing healthy life patterns, including eating and fitness plans.

You May Also Like
How One Woman Eliminated 50 Fibroids without Surgery!

Intervention, using behavior modification,  may be the key to helping decrease domestic violence and end the cycle of abuse.

October 24, 2013 by Violet Green

Read Next Article

The Latest In

Nat King Cole

Black History of Health: Nat King Cole

Nat "King" Cole was indeed a royal figure in American popular music during the golden age of jazz. The classic jazz pianist, composer, and singer had the world at his fingertips from earning notoriety for his smooth, silky voice. He read more about Black History of Health: Nat King Cole
foot massage for asthma

Wait, A Foot Massage Can Help My Asthma Symptoms?

Reflexology massages have become a great way to help people with many underline illnesses that plagued their bodies. So it is no surprise that a massage focusing on specific pressure points can help your asthma. As counterintuitive as it may read more about Wait, A Foot Massage Can Help My Asthma Symptoms?
foods with vitamin c

Move Over Oranges! 9 Surprising Foods Packed With Vitamin C

Before you gulp that daily glass of OJ, check out these 9 other surprising foods packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient required for the development and maintenance of scar tissue, blood vessels, cartilage and more. It’s not all about read more about Move Over Oranges! 9 Surprising Foods Packed With Vitamin C
sea salt benefits

Sea Salt: Beauty Benefits For Hair, Skin & Nails

Salt isn't just for the kitchen anymore! Unlike table salt, which is heavily processed and stripped of nutrients, sea salt maintains its natural minerals which include calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The benefits of sea salt not only benefit the read more about Sea Salt: Beauty Benefits For Hair, Skin & Nails
Nina Simone

Black History of Health: Nina Simone

Arguably one of the most prolific entertainers in recent history, Nina Simone spent her career breaking barriers, shedding light, and fighting necessary battles. Many of which she won. One, however, fought for many years but ultimately succumbed to; breast cancer.  read more about Black History of Health: Nina Simone
mental health issues

Top 3 Mental Health Issues Affecting Black Men

Mental health has become a prevalent topic in today's world, especially after the effects of the pandemic. More specifically, Black men have been hit very hard due to the economic hardships resulting from the shutdowns. This article will discuss the read more about Top 3 Mental Health Issues Affecting Black Men

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries 10 Signs You’re Living With Clogged Arteries
  • Mo’Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: “I Love Us For Real”Mo'Nique at 55: Slimmer, Happier & Wiser: "I Love Us For Real"
  • Monica Calhoun at 51: “Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside”Monica Calhoun at 51: "Exude Beauty Inside, Manifest It Outside"
  • Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!Taimak: The Last Dragon Lives 35+ Years Later!
  • John David Washington: “They Tried To Use My Name Against Me”John David Washington: "They Tried To Use My Name Against Me"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.