African American Attitudes
Domestic Violence and DV Assistance
Vetta Sanders Thompson, Ph.D. & Anita Bazile, Ph.D.
Current data indicate that despite a more than two-decade
decline, African American women continue to experience a higher rate
of intimate partner homicide compared to women of other races. In addition,
African American women's rates of intimate partner violence are higher
than every other group's, except American Indian women (U.S. Department
of Justice, 2001). Contrary to expectation, African American women are
more likely to make reports of intimate violence to the police than
women of other racial/ethnic groups (Rennison, 2001). National surveys
of prevalence and a growing body of literature on domestic violence
among African American women have highlighted the need for data on attitudes
toward DV services, perceptions of treatment/intervention needs, and
evaluation of DV programs in the African American community. Advocates
and practitioners have voiced concern over the lack of research that
addresses why African American women are less likely to access victim
services (National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center,
There are few studies examining the needs of African American women
experiencing domestic violence. Studies suggest that African American
women do use domestic violence services (Thomas, 2000; Sullivan &
Rumptz, 1994; Gondolf, Fisher, McFerron, 1988). Gondolf, et al. (1988)
noted that most women, regardless of race or ethnicity, sought the same
amount but different kinds of help, such as financial support from social
services agencies or family, shelter services, counseling from ministers,
friends, or agencies; as well material items from friends, family, or
agencies. This early study using Texas shelter data (N=5708) indicated
that African American women were more likely to call a minister or the
police. Sullivan & Rumptz, (1994) suggest that African American
women may seek services at the point that violence becomes life threatening,
with African American women reporting more severe abuse in the 6 months
prior to entering a shelter than European American women.
African American women benefit from domestic violence services. For
instance, Sullivan and Rumptz (1994) indicated that African American
women who received advocacy services were more satisfied with their
stay and had a higher quality of life at follow-up. These services included
assistance with education and acquisition of household items. After
services were received, African American women expressed intent to continue
receiving advocacy services (Gondolf, et al., 1988).
African American women's ability to escape a violent relationship has
been compromised by the effects of discrimination, economic hardship,
and social inequity (Sullivan & Rumptz, 1994). Sullivan & Rumptz
found that African American women were more likely to live below poverty
level, to have more children living with them, to be the sole provider
for their family, and were less likely to have a car. They noted that
health issues, material goods (furniture, household goods and supplies),
and financial issues were most likely to be listed as needed resources
in the first ten weeks of a shelter stay. Furthermore, financial and
social issues affected African American women, as well as other women
of color, more adversely than European American women (Sorenson, 1996).
For example, African American shelter residents participating in focus
groups complained that shelters did not provide food that acknowledged
different cultural preferences or appropriate grooming aids for African
The National Black Survey, which examined African American help seeking
behaviors for mental and emotional distress (Jackson, Neighbors, &
Gurin, 1986), is the most comprehensive study of help seeking in the
African American community. Study findings indicate that services were
sought as a result of a physician, family member, or friend's referral.
In the absence of more specific data, it seems important to carefully
examine the beliefs, attitudes, understandings and expectations of the
African American community at large regarding help seeking, including
assistance in cases of domestic violence. The authors of this study
consider community attitudes toward help seeking in cases of domestic
violence in the African American community through the use of focus
The focus group is a qualitative research strategy that
uses a semi-structured discussion format. The group facilitator begins
the process and moves the discussion along with the aid of discussion
questions. However, the specific content and order of content are driven
by participants' responses (Stewart & Shamdasani, 1990). It is a
technique used to explore understudied issues or topics.
Twenty-seven, mixed sex focus groups were conducted in an urban,
Midwestern city from May 2000 through mid-November 2000. Groups ranged
in size from 3 to 12 members. Participants were volunteers. Recruitment
was via newspaper advertisement and posted announcements. Participants
received a twenty-dollar stipend for their participation. Participants
were not permitted to participate in more than one group. A total of
201 African Americans (134 females and 66 males, one participant did
not provide information) participated in discussions.
A brief demographic questionnaire was administered prior to participation.
Participants ranged in age from 18 to 74 years, with a mean age of 35.8
years (SD = 12.9 years). They reported an average of 14 years of education,
with a range of 8 to 22 years; and reported income ranging from 0 to
$150,000, with a mean of $19,322 and a median income level of $18,000.
An African American female, psychologist with eight years of experience
conducting focus groups with African Americans led the sessions. A counseling
graduate student assisted. The discussion of domestic violence was conducted
in the context of mental health in the African American community; therefore
participants did not necessarily have personal experience with domestic
violence. Focus groups were 1 1/2 hours long and examined the mental
health and domestic violence service utilization in the African American
community. Four probes focused on domestic violence:
- Participant perceptions of attitudes toward domestic violence in
- Barriers to seeking assistance and services.
- Perceptions of needed services,
- Knowledge of existing services.
Discussions were lively and participants appeared to share their thoughts,
knowledge and experiences candidly. Several participants discussed personal
experiences with domestic violence. Other participants discussed DV
experiences of friends and family members. In general, participants
had encountered domestic violence and were aware of its prevalence.
All discussions were audiotaped. The audiotapes were transcribed
and independently reviewed by the authors. Shortly after group discussions,
an assistant completed detailed field notes based on the sessions and
debriefing discussions. Based on review of the transcripts, field notes,
and debriefing notes, impressions were consolidated into a list of themes
Lack Knowledge of
- Long term consequences of DV experience (everything is fine once
a woman leaves)
- Services (their location and costs)
- Warning signs that violence is escalating
Cultural Values and Beliefs That Inhibit Disclosure
- African American women are strong (pride) - deny violence, vulnerability
- African Americans are responsible for themselves and others around
them; as African Americans we take care of ourselves - self-blame,
self-sacrificing, embarrassed, ashamed if unable to control or endure
- African American women are responsible for keeping family together
- avoid leaving (Have to consider effect of leaving on the children.
How can you stop him from seeing his children?)
- African Americans "don't tell their business" - deny, or avoid
- Religious views (God will take care of it; pray; The Lord will
Community Attitudes That Inhibit Disclosure and Intervention
- Definitions of abuse (pushing and shoving are not serious)
- Distrust of institutions (concerns related to police response
to AA women, legal system involvement, and agency attitudes)
- Loyalty issues, family pressure that inhibit self-disclosure and
action (How can I (you) have him arrested? How could you leave him?).
- I did nothing wrong. Why should I leave?
- Rely on family, friends, and church for resources and referrals
- How can I (you) survive?)
- Community based, self-help support groups and networks
- Self -esteem building to assist in leaving
- Support and advocacy services to assist with issues after leaving
(housing, job training, children's psychological needs)
- Treatment, designed specifically for AA men, without stereotypes
- Sense that advocates and shelter workers understand that violence
is not more acceptable in the African American community
- Advocates and shelter workers who are perceived as comfortable
communicating with AA women in a respectful, non-paternalistic manner
- Diversity among advocates and shelter workers
- Awareness of expectations sometimes incongruent with safety and
well being based on community attitudes and values
- Awareness that AA women respond to shelter rules within the context
of a history of a controlling oppressive relationship and an oppressive
There is a need for education on domestic violence. Issues related
to definitions, warning signs, behavioral cycles, and resources are
required. The media outlets and institutions prominent in the African
American community must be targeted. Because African Americans rely
on family, friends, and the church for information and referral, outreach
must be broad. Women will likely consult with one of these sources
for support prior to action. Advocates must find ways to facilitate
this social support system throughout a woman's effort to address
her domestic violence experience.
Diversity and sensitivity require ongoing awareness and action. Shelters
must systematically examine staff composition and training. Advocates
and shelter workers must be knowledgeable of cultural values, community
attitudes, and social experiences that may affect reactions and responses
to domestic violence. This knowledge should be differentiated from
myths and stereotypes related about domestic violence in the African
American community. Communication strategies that facilitate positive
and supportive interactions between advocates/workers and African
American women, who have experienced DV, should be included in training
modules. Shelter rules and policies should be examined to discern
how they might impact diverse populations, and how explanations or
implementation can be made more culturally sensitive.
Participants were aware of the need for services that
addressed domestic violence in the African American community. Despite
this recognition, lack of knowledge, cultural issues, and community
attitudes were noted to impede action by abused women and support
from friends and family. These barriers can and must be addressed.
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