Race, Culture, and Gender: Black Female Experiences of Violence and Abuse

This book presents an in-depth account of nine Black British women’s experiences of violence and abuse and how they felt silenced as children, women, Black women, and victim-survivors. Being silenced or staying silent about experiences of violence and abuse were key influences in how and when women accessed help and support, illuminating missed opportunities to assist women.

The book builds on a growing body of research carried out in the USA and the UK that explores socio-economic status, culture, ethnicity, and race in community/service responses to women seeking support for experiences of violence and abuse. This book is a useful resource for victim-survivors, students, researchers, clinical psychologists, counsellors, health professionals, social workers, educators, and specialised violence support organisations.

What professionals might face in the process of supporting Black women who access services is explored through women’s descriptions of how they felt supported, listened to, yet ‘unheard’. The book aims to contribute to work that examines challenges faced by minoritised women in attempts to live well in the UK context. The book also includes images created as part of the project.