Domestic Violence Month recognized by “Między Friends”

The nonprofit organization Between Friends celebrates Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an annual candle lighting on October 1. The organization has been raising awareness about domestic violence for 26 years. Executive Director Verda Bhatti discussed the complexities of domestic violence.

Bhatti stated, “Sometimes it could be very physical, sometimes it may just be verbaland sometimes it can be emotional.

On the beach on Ohio Street, Between Friends lights paper lanterns representing all victims of domestic violence. Bhatti expressed hope that the variety of lanterns would decrease annually. “But unfortunately this is not happening,” he says.

While domestic violence affects people of all genders and races, the problem is very acute for Black women. According to the Women’s Policy Research Institute, 40% of black women “will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.”

Domestic violence is greater than just physical violence from an intimate partner. US Department of Justice lists various types of domestic violence. The Department of Justice recognizes the intimidation, manipulation, humiliation, isolation, and attempts to intimidate, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, harm, injure, or injure someone as types of abuse.

More than half of all black women have experienced non-physical domestic violence. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, “53.8% of Black women have experienced psychological violence and 41.2% of Black women have experienced physical violence.”

The Blackburn Center is attempting to get to the basis causes of the increased harm done to black women. The organization cites “the objectification and degradation of women in the media, rape culture, harmful gender norms, the pay gap” and racism as causes of increased harm.

The objectification of Black women is a story as old as time. This story continues to be told as pre-emancipation terms reminiscent of “bed girl” are still used to explain women. The use of this and plenty of other terms in modern times only reinforces the concept that black women are viewed by some as lower than human. Objects or toys could also be used on the discretion of others. Just like children, many individuals don’t think that using, abusing and breaking toys is a foul thing.

Suggested by the Blackburn Center solving these causes, first acknowledging intersectionality. Paying attention to Black women’s vulnerable intersections and dealing to make sure equity of their pay, image, and standing would help dispel the concept that they’re expendable.

If you already know of any current or former domestic violence victims in need of support, please contact the Blackburn Center at 1-888-832-2272.