Women of color are twice as likely to die from domestic violence

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Women of color are dying from domestic violence at higher rates than other women, according to data. This is why culturally specific support programs are crucial.

A new report from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin found that Black women are twice as likely to be fatally shot by an intimate partner compared to white women.

Data also shows that most of the domestic violence homicides are happening in Milwaukee, specifically. To get a better understanding of the problem, The ASHA Project held a focus group Thursday with survivors. Many of the women in the group have had near-fatal experiences at the hands of an intimate partner and shared their personal experiences and feelings about what's missing from existing resources.

Antonia Drew-Norton, director at The ASHA Project, says it's important to get this feedback from those most impacted by the issue. She says this is just one of what will likely be many conversations. 

Homicides are up, but so are incidents in general. "We're also up to nearly 175 non-fatal shootings of women. Ninety percent are African American women, so we need to find out what was happening days, weeks, minutes leading up to the near-fatal event," said Drew-Norton.

She says the reason domestic violence shows up more in communities of color is because there are other issues present. 

That includes poverty, health care disparities, and mental health resources. Drew-Norton says these are all contributing factors that cause domestic violence.

Asking survivors what they feel could have helped keep them safer was the goal of Thursday's meeting.

Researchers from UW-Milwaukee and the University of Minnesota were in the room to collect data that will help inform future prevention.

"We are partnered with ASHA on a large R01 (research grant) through the National Institute of Minority health and disparities. We are trying to understand the experiences of domestic violence in the lives of American Indian and Black women," said Professor Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu, who traveled from the University of Minnesota to be at the focus group.

"For us, interacting with women is important, putting faces to what we are hearing is important," she said.

Some of the suggestions from survivors in the meeting included:

• Victim witness protection programs
• Easier access to immediate resources
• More follow-up from police
• Registry for domestic violence offenders

They also want more resources for the offenders themselves to get help.

In the coming weeks, a town hall will be held for more input.

"Bring ideas, thoughts, information, what does the community think we need to stop this assault on women," said Drew-Norton.

For those who need resources now, The ASHA Project can help: (414) 252-0075.