NCJ Number
190649
Journal
Trauma, Violence, and Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 316-330
Date Published
October 2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article critically analyzes the current literature on domestic assault among African Americans, notes gaps in knowledge, and discusses an action agenda to help eradicate domestic assault.
Abstract
Literature on domestic violence largely ignores racial minorities. However, African Americans sustain serious and lethal injuries as a result of domestic violence. Domestic violence poses a grave threat to the preservation of African American families and communities. The analysis reveals that the enslavement of Africans has been linked to the onset of domestic assault in the Black community. In addition, income has consistently been a significant factor for African Americans experiencing domestic assault. Moreover, labeling discourages men and women from seeking and receiving services; lack of cultural competence negatively affects help-seeking behaviors, effectiveness of intervention, and retention of African Americans who need domestic violence services. Furthermore, African Americans often do not seek help outside their informal networks. Research must address emerging issues involving African Americans as a diverse community. Other needs include self-help initiatives, advocacy for targeted funding of domestic violence programs in the Black community, and more historical research on the onset of domestic violence in the African American community. Author biography, 5 suggested readings, and 133 references (Author abstract modified)