Ending Violence Against Black Women in Canada: Building Safer Communities Together
November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, shines a light on the need to address and end gender-based violence (GBV) worldwide. However, the experiences of Black Women in Canada often go overlooked. Due to systemic inequalities, racism, and barriers within the legal and healthcare systems, Black Women experience unique forms of violence that require dedicated attention and support. Velma Carter Centre is committed to creating a platform that supports, empowers, and educates on the urgent need to address violence against Black Women.
A Closer Look at Gender-Based Violence Against Black Women in Canada
While gender-based violence is a national and global crisis, Black Women in Canada face additional challenges. The Canadian Women’s Foundation reports that nearly half of Canadian women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Black Women, however, are disproportionately impacted, facing both gendered and racial violence that makes seeking support difficult and complex. In Alberta and across Canada, Black Women are often forced to navigate systems where racial stereotypes and systemic discrimination impact the quality and accessibility of care they receive.
Understanding the Statistics and the Reality of Gender-Based Violence
Some key facts help illustrate the specific challenges faced by Black women:
Economic Disadvantage: Black Women in Canada are overrepresented among women experiencing poverty, a factor that increases susceptibility to GBV (Statistics Canada). Economic vulnerability can limit a woman’s ability to leave unsafe situations, particularly if she lacks financial independence or access to safe, stable housing.
Healthcare Disparities: Studies indicate that racial discrimination within healthcare makes it more difficult for Black Women to receive appropriate support, particularly when reporting abuse or seeking help for mental health issues related to trauma (Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre). The fear of judgment, disbelief, or mistreatment often results in underreporting among Black survivors of violence.
Distrust in Law Enforcement: Black Women often experience racial profiling and bias from police, leading to a lack of trust in law enforcement. In cases of gender-based violence, many Black Women avoid reporting incidents out of fear that they or their families will face additional harm or discrimination from authorities.
Barriers Faced by Black Women in Alberta
In Alberta, support for Black Women experiencing Gender-Based Violence is limited, and available resources are often not culturally relevant. Organizations like Velma Carter Centre in Edmonton are working to bridge this gap by advocating for Black Women, creating safe spaces, and offering culturally sensitive support. Such programs are vital because they provide understanding, validation, and resources specifically geared toward the unique needs of Black Women.
Empowering Black Women and Building Resilient Communities
Creating a future free from violence against Black Women requires a community-based approach. Advocacy, allyship, and support from Black Women and their allies are necessary to drive systemic changes. Here are a few ways we can collectively empower Black Women:
Advocate for Policy Change and Funding: Significant changes need to happen at a policy level to secure adequate funding for culturally relevant support services. By advocating for increased funding for Black-led organizations, we can ensure that more resources are available to address the specific needs of Black Women facing violence.
Raise Awareness Within Black Communities: Many survivors of violence feel isolated or unsupported, especially if they fear that they will be misunderstood or judged within their own communities. Raising awareness within Black communities and fostering open dialogues around GBV can encourage survivors to seek help. Education campaigns tailored to the Black community can create a safer space for women to come forward.
Develop Safe and Accessible Spaces: Black Women benefit from community spaces and support groups that understand and validate their experiences. Organizations like the Velma Carter Centre in Edmonton work to provide safe spaces where Black Women can connect, share their stories, and receive support without fear of stigma or discrimination.
The Role of Allies in Supporting Black Women
While Black-led organizations are crucial to this mission, allies also play a significant role. Supporting Black Women and their unique experiences with gender-based violence requires active allyship, which can take several forms:
Support Anti-Racism and Cultural Sensitivity Training: Healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement need anti-racism and cultural sensitivity training to reduce biases and ensure that Black Women receive fair and compassionate treatment when reporting violence or seeking support. Encouraging such training in community organizations and advocating for it at a policy level can help build a more inclusive support system.
Provide Financial and Resource Support to Black-Led Organizations: Many organizations working to address violence against Black Women face chronic underfunding. Donations and funding to groups like the Canadian Black Women’s Health Network can make a significant difference in expanding the reach and impact of their services.
Raise Awareness Through Educational Resources: Sharing information about culturally relevant resources like shelters, hotlines, and trauma support tailored to Black Women can make it easier for survivors to find help. Allies can play a role in spreading the word and ensuring that resources are widely available and accessible.
Resources for Black Women Experiencing Violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, there are organizations in Canada providing support:
Black Women United YEG – Based in Edmonton, this organization advocates for Black Women’s rights and provides safe spaces for survivors.
Canadian Black Women’s Health Network – Focuses on health equity and addresses gender-based violence within Black communities across Canada.
ShelterSafe – Offers a list of shelters across Canada, some of which provide culturally sensitive services for Black Women.
The Importance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
On this day of awareness, we honour the resilience of Black Women who have survived gender-based violence and commit to creating a safer, more just society for future generations. Recognizing and addressing the intersection of race and gender in the context of violence is essential to ending the cycle of abuse. It’s not only about amplifying Black Women’s voices but also ensuring that resources, policies, and community support systems are actively working to dismantle the barriers they face.
Velma Carter Centre stands in solidarity with Black Women, survivors, and advocates in the ongoing fight to end violence against women. We invite you to join us in supporting Black-led organizations, advocating for policy change, and creating a world where Black Women can thrive without fear of violence. Together, we can build a future where every Black Woman feels valued, safe, and supported in her community.
Love and power,
The Velma Carter Centre Team