The effects of self-protective behaviors on injury for African American women in domestic violence situations

Abstract

The stereotype of the strong, independent, and invulnerable African American woman may have implications in violent intimate partner relationships. More specifically, one behavioral manifestation of this stereotype is that African American women may be more likely to "fight back" in domestic violence situations. However, little is known about the consequences of these self-protective behaviors for African American women. To this end, this study will address whether forceful and nonforceful acts of resistance result in the desired effect of avoiding injury. Using a sample of incarcerated African American women, this study examines the effects of self-protective behaviors on injury for a marginalized population at a high risk of violence.

Responding to Intimate Partner Violence: Urban Women’s Decisions About Getting Personal Protection Orders When Other Resources are Scarce

“…Informal sources of support include close family members or friends, spiritual advisors or church pastors, and prayer (El-Khoury et al, 2004; Lucea et al, 2013; Potter, 2008). There are several reasons for their preference (Finfgeld-Connett, 2014; Jones & Thorpe, 2016; Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008), most notably attempts to maintain racial loyalty and efforts to protect their abuser from involvement with a criminal justice system that is rife with institutional racism and has a long history of systemic oppression of minority groups (Bent-Goodley, 2017; Blackmon, Owens, & Geiss, 2017; Potter, 2008).…”

“…Other reasons for reluctance to seek involvement with the criminal justice system include: misunderstandings and disagreements about what constitutes domestic violence and abuse (Blackmon et al, 2017; Gillum, 2009); the stereotype of the Strong Black Woman who can handle things on her own (Blackmon et al, 2017; Potter, 2008; Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008); external discrimination as justification for partners’ violence (Hampton, Oliver, & Magarian, 2003; Nash, 2005; Powell, 2008); and pressure from family or clergy to maintain the family unit (Finfgeld-Connet, 2014). Many African American survivors believe that Eurocentric institutions do not meet their needs and should not be privy to personal information about African American women and their families (Jones & Thorpe, 2016; Nash, 2005; Potter, 2008; Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008). Qualitative evidence also indicates that some African American women believe that IPV within a relationship is a private matter to be settled within the family or through prayer (El-Khoury et al, 2004; Lucea et al, 2013).…”

African American Women and Domestic Violence: Addressing their Voice of Silence

“…African American women are less likely to press charges against perpetrators because of their lack of trust in the criminal justice system (Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008). In addition, African…”

“…American women may not seek outside interventions because of the separate mindset that whites do not need to be in their business. Often, they will seek solutions within the community and avoid the criminal justice system that stereotypes African American males as being dangerous (Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008). African American women are less likely than white women to report being rape to others (Lee, Thompson, & Mechanic, 2002).…”

“…When African American women called the legal system for protection, they are more likely to be blamed for being equally aggressive, whereas the police action would rarely result in the arrest of their perpetrators (Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008). Because of the racial stereotypes with community pressure of silence, the unresponsiveness of the criminal justice system continues to increase the likelihood of African American women fighting back and taking the matter in their own hands (Wyckoff & Simpson, 2008).…”