Domestic Violence Harms Black Women Around The World

t shirt that reads end the silence on domestic violence
Via Wikimedia Commons
Briona Lamback
February 9, 2022

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for all of us. But for women forced to be in isolation with their abusers, it was even more dangerous – domestic violence increased by at least 30% globally during lockdowns. 

In Kenya, there was a 300% increase in violence against women and girls during the first two weeks of the 2020 lockdown! But there’s a deeper story there.

A combination of stigma, fear, and distrust in the police meant many cases went unreported. Stigma around gender-based violence works against women’s safety and upholds a sexist culture. 

But some are choosing to fight back with community care.

Njeri Migwi runs a rescue and care center in Kenya called Usikimye (Don’t Be Silent) for women and girls. While housed at Usikimye, survivors can access financial literacy and first aid skills, and receive weekly therapy sessions to aid them in their healing journeys.

In the USA, Black women are also disproportionately abused. Black communities around the world still struggle with the sexist beliefs imposed on their cultures by European colonialism. 

We need to start exposing and dismantling these sexist beliefs to free ourselves from white supremacy – and give our women the care, respect, and empowerment they deserve.

Addressing the root causes of this violence will help us build strong, benevolent Black communities. We cannot thrive until women and girls are free from violence!

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