Crucial conversations: Childhood racism makes women of colour vulnerable to abusive relationships

Did you know women of colour experience domestic violence more often than White women, but are less likely to report it?

Economic insecurity, isolation, and discrimination shape how women of colour experience and respond to abuse.

Research suggests that while around 25% of the population experiences domestic violence, only about 2.5% to 15% report abuse. This is especially true among certain ethnic groups in the United States, as there are many cultures where violence against women is considered common and part of typical family life.

Even with low reporting, the number of women of colour impacted by domestic violence is shockingly high.

In fact, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, approximately four out of 10 non-Hispanic Black women, American Indian, or Alaskan Native women, and one in two multi-racial non-Hispanic women have been a victim of physical violence, rape, and/or stalking by a partner in their lifetime.

One study found Black women under the age of 30 are three times more likely to experience domestic violence than Black women under the age of 40.

The same study also noted that Black women living in impoverished areas are three times more likely to experience domestic violence than those living in other areas.

It's important to remember the victim of the abuse did nothing to cause it. Abuse is always a choice made by the abuser.

Additionally, cohabitation may increase the likelihood that a woman will be victimised by her partner.

One study found that Black women who were living with their partner were six times more likely to experience severe domestic violence when compared to their dating and married counterparts.

The researchers also noted that Black women experienced more severe forms of domestic violence once they were separated or divorced.