By Javar Juarez
(CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C. - Domestic violence does not discriminate. It touches the lives of people across all genders, races, sexual orientations, and economic statuses. However, in America, Black communities bear a disproportionate weight of this violence due to the compounding effects of systemic racism. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, with over 12 million Americans suffering this trauma every year. But for Black men and women, the stakes are even higher.
In South Carolina, the domestic violence crisis is especially dire. Our state’s femicide rate—where women are killed by men—is consistently double the national average. South Carolina has ranked among the top ten states in the nation for women killed by men since 1998, apart from one year. The intersection of race and violence is a stark reminder of how much work we still need to do to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
For Black women, the statistics are alarming: 45.1% have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Black men are not far behind, with 40.1% reporting similar abuse. Systemic oppression, racist policies, and economic disparities have only deepened these wounds, making it harder for Black survivors to access safety and justice. Racist policies and a legacy of oppression have left Black families more vulnerable to intimate partner violence by limiting their access to essential resources—intergenerational wealth, education, healthcare, and even safety from the very systems meant to protect them.
The Stigma and the Silence
In many cases, Black men suffer silently. The deep-rooted stigmas within the Black community around masculinity and vulnerability mean that nearly 30% of domestic violence cases involving men go unreported. The toxic masculine persona, often perpetuated by patriarchal systems within churches and mainstream culture, teaches Black men that admitting to abuse is a sign of weakness. Many fear that coming forward will not only make them seem inferior but will also result in them being misjudged as the aggressor, especially given the biases within the criminal justice system.
This year, the Purple Gala on October 5th, 2024 aims to break the silence. Hosted by Tina Darlene Torres, a fierce survivor, advocate, and founder of "She Did That Events," the gala will unite survivors, supporters, and advocates to stand in solidarity with the millions of men and women—especially within Black communities—who are still trapped in abusive relationships. Tina herself is no stranger to the struggles of domestic violence. As a survivor of childhood abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence, her journey from a domestic violence shelter to building a new life is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and community support.
Why Black Voices Must Be at the Forefront
The systemic barriers facing Black men and women in America have created a situation where intimate partner violence often thrives in the shadows. Black survivors, particularly women, are often not believed by law enforcement or the judicial system, making it even harder for them to access justice. Nearly 31.8% of Black women and 16.8% of Black men report PTSD symptoms, injuries, and the need for medical or legal services after intimate partner violence. Yet many do not receive the help they need due to racist societal structures that perpetuate these cycles of abuse.
The path to healing and justice for Black communities begins with us—with the conversations we have, the support we offer, and the spaces we create for survivors to be heard and believed. Tina Torres, with her tireless advocacy, is ensuring that these voices are no longer silenced. At the Purple Gala, we will not only raise awareness but also work toward breaking the chains of systemic oppression that keep Black survivors from finding freedom.
An Invitation to All
We invite you to join Tina Torres and the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network on October 5th at Venue 817 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210. This is more than an event; it is a movement for reparative justice and collective healing. Let’s stand together for the countless Black men and women who continue to suffer in silence, and for all those affected by domestic violence.
Link to register: https://www.shedidthatevents.com/the-purple-gala
This year’s Purple Gala will highlight the importance of support for all survivors, but especially the Black community, which has borne the brunt of both intimate partner violence and systemic racism. Your presence will send a powerful message—that no one should suffer in silence, and that we are committed to tearing down the barriers that have allowed this violence to persist.
The time is now to foster understanding, heal our communities, and advocate for justice. Let us come together to create safe, brave spaces for Black men, women, and families—so that their voices are heard, their stories are honored, and their futures are brighter.
Learn More about the Facts: https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/dv_in_the_black_community.pdf
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