Violence Surrounding Black Women

VIOLENCE SURROUNDING BLACK WOMEN & THE TRAUMA WE FACE.

By Kairel McLeary-Barnes

Domestic Abuse- Violent or aggressive behaviour within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or a partner. Each year nearly 1.3 million women suffer at the hands of their loved ones in the home. During the pandemic this number increased…. Domestic abuse is such a sad phenomenon far too many Women experience, Black Women’s cries for help in the UK, go continuously unheard. We are misrepresented. And it’s a problem. Why? You may ask, well it all goes back to institutionalized racism and intra-racial relationships involving the Black Community. When it comes to Black Women the problems and mistreatment we face, is always dismissed. We are always gaslighted. 45.1 % of Black Women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes. Even though there isn’t enough evidence in stating Black Women are abused more than their white Counterparts, we are more likely to go unreported or have our pleas for help go unreceived. Black Women are more than likely to suffer more severe, more complex forms of abuse for longer. 38.1 % of Black Women have experienced one or more of the following: intimate partner violence- related impacts: Being fearful, concerned for safety, any post traumatic stress disorder, symptoms of injury, need for medical care housing services, victim advocate services, and for or legal services missed out at least one day of work or schooling and contacting crisis hotline. 53.8% of Black Women have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Intersectionality- The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This Term was coined by Kimberele Willaims, a Lawyer who continues to challenge and change Intersectionality and what it means for Black Women especially. I.E, A Black Gay Man, has a completely different experience to a White Gay Women. Black Women have a totally different experience than Black Men and Non Black Women all together. Black Women additionally experience sexism and misogyny, and Racial discrimination (And the Backlash they will recieve if they do get a ‘Brother’ Locked up) which may result in them not asking for help. Also, take into consideration the fact we are rarely ever seen, defended or heard when it comes to anything pertaining to us. ‘An intersectional analysis has been fundamental in the works to end violence against Black and ‘minority ethnic’ women and girls. Intersectionality has provided the most useful framework for ‘capturing’ and understanding our individual and collective experiences. It has also been important as a mechanism to ensure that our activities are always located in a broader struggle for social justice. For example, our commitment to ‘by and for’ dedicated, specialist Black and ‘minority ethnic’ women’s organisations is rooted in an understanding that as minoritised women and girls experiencing multiple, intersecting inequalities, we have the right to organise and resist in ways that are defined by us, for us and with us.’ (The Combahee River Collective, 1977) When White Women were fighting for their right to be heard, to be equal to men as much as they could, to be able to vote, to work. Black Women were in support- given our issues with the feminist movement were overlooked aswell, we stood by and defended and fought that cause. When Black Men are thrown a way to rot in a cell- given years upon years for crimes they didn’t even commit, for crimes their White Male counterparts would’ve gotten lesser years for. We as Black Women continue to fight. When Black Men were and still are being continuously hunted, their lives taken by authority figures, and gang violence, we as Black Women continue to fight, for justice for all the Black Men being slain. Why when it comes to Black Women, and our pleas, our cries and our right to want to be heard, in wanting to live. No one seems to care? How many Black Women does it have to take for the World to take us seriously? We cry, cut and bleed just as much as anyone else does, yet when we’re being abused, it seems our pain doesn’t matter. How many BME organisations does it take? How many lectures do we need to attend for people to realise Black Women’s Lives Matter. And domestic abuse is a serious case that continues to take the lives of Women every day. As a Black Woman I’ll continue to continue to fight for Black Women to be seen, for us to take up space as much as possible, so they know we will not be ignored. For us to continue shining , for us to continue Living. As we deserve that right. For Black Women in the UK who are in need of help: SistahSpace: 0207 846 350. Refugee’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 free, independent and confidential 24/7 Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111.

Utulivu Women’s Honoured for An Afternoon With Royals at the Ascot Racecourse together with Other Change Makers Especially During The

Covid-19 Pandemic. By Eva Karanja.

Sun was shining, the air was warm, at the most iconic venue, Ascot racecourse what a day to celebrate volunteers across Berkshire! Berkshire Community Foundation hosted volunteers Tea to recognise and celebrate the valuable work of Charities across the County. Celebrate the County’s Amazing volunteers and their incredible contributions in the last year. The His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, graced the occasion in appreciation of the work volunteers do. Thank you so much Berkshire Community Foundation, Utulivu Women’s group for giving our volunteers Josephine and Eva this amazing opportunity. We had a wonderful day, felt very special and had amazing tea and cake on 6th Sept 2021. Live Long Utulivu.

THE JOURNEY OF LIFE By Annice Thomas.

The journey of life takes on multiple directions The roads we take can take us to various projections The friends we make along the way Some leave, some remain Some are here to stay The journey can be a lonely place At times we slow down At times we race Life’s obstacles encountered can make us freak They can rip us apart and cause us to shriek But with time and healing our attitudes change Our perspectives take on a different range We carefully choose the battles that we fight We step out of the darkness And stand firm in the light There is no satnav for the journey of life Our journey can strengthen or bring us strife Choose today which it will be Our attitudes hold the key to set us free