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Ignored and Unprotected: The Stark Truth About Violence Against Black Women
- anitacrusoe
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
When it comes to the conversation on violence in America, Black women often go unmentioned, ignored, and unprotected—despite the harsh reality that no group in this country has had to endure what we have. And yet, even when presented with facts, people are quick to center debates on “Black-on-Black crime,” a narrative designed to deflect accountability and dismiss the structural inequalities we face.
Here’s the truth: “Black-on-Black crime” is a myth designed to silence and shame Black communities. Crime overwhelmingly occurs within communities—this is true across all racial and ethnic groups. People hurt those in close proximity. But only Black people are stifled by a stereotype that pathologizes our communities and excuses the systemic neglect that makes such violence possible.
Instead of spouting tired talking points, we need to address the real issue: The targeted vulnerability of Black women in systems that consistently fail us. Black women are left unprotected—by the state, by institutions, and too often by the very structures sworn to provide safety and equality. And if you doubt this? The numbers don’t lie.
The Alarming Statistics on Violence Against Black Women
Let’s get to the undeniable data:
Black women face disproportionately high rates of violence compared to women of other racial groups. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), more than half (53.8%) of Black women have experienced psychological abuse, physical violence, or sexual violence by an intimate partner. That is the highest rate of violence faced by any racial group of women.
Homicide is one of the leading causes of death for Black women under 35. According to a 2017 study by the Violence Policy Center, Black women are twice as likely as White women to die at the hands of men.
Black women are killed by intimate partners at a rate three times higher than White women.
Let’s pause and really absorb this. These murders are not random—they are overwhelmingly committed by someone we know, by partners who promised to love us, and yet we are left unprotected by the legal systems supposedly designed to shield us from harm.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Systemic Failures Across the Board
Black women are not only the most vulnerable to violence but also the most likely to find the system stacked against us at every step—whether it’s at work, in the justice system, or walking into a doctor’s office.
At Work
Black women face structural inequalities as soon as we walk through the doors of corporate America.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Black women earn only 64 cents for every dollar earned by a White man doing the same job.
Black women are less likely to be promoted to management positions and are more likely to face workplace microaggressions and retaliation for bringing up instances of bias or harassment.
We are simultaneously expected to save organizations with our expertise and hard work while being penalized for speaking out about our treatment.
In the Legal System
The legal system’s treatment of Black women is one of dismissal and disinterest.
Black women seeking restraining orders or protective measures often face roadblocks when attempting to access court systems.
Even when protective orders are granted, they rarely shield Black women from violence.
What happens when these so-called protections fail? The numbers reflect it. Black women are simply more likely to die despite holding court-granted “protection.” The Violence Policy Center highlights the stark disparity: protective orders do not do enough to prevent lethal outcomes for Black women.
And it’s not just about domestic violence. Try reporting crimes to the police and you’ll often be met with suspicion, dismissal, or outright hostility. If you’re a Black woman, even as a victim, the system will first assume you’re guilty or exaggerating.
In Health Care
The disparities extend to the medical field. Black women are more likely to die in childbirth, less likely to have their symptoms taken seriously, and less likely to be believed when reporting pain. From labor wards to emergency rooms, Black women’s lives are treated as less valuable.
Black women are three times more likely than White women to die due to childbirth complications, according to the CDC.
A 2019 study from the National Academy of Sciences revealed that doctors are more likely to underestimate the pain levels of Black patients compared to White patients.
These disparities are not about biology—they are rooted in bias and indifference from systems sworn to “do no harm.”
Why the System Fails Black Women
Black women are boxed out of the protections that every human being deserves.
Financial barriers mean many Black women cannot afford the legal representation or resources needed to navigate the legal system.
Cultural stereotypes paint Black women as “angry,” “strong,” or “invulnerable”—detracting from our humanity and allowing institutions to justify ignoring our pain.
Systemic racism baked into institutions—from law enforcement to health care—ensures that when a Black woman cries out for help, her voice is minimized or dismissed entirely.
Honestly, let’s stop pretending any of this is a surprise. The Constitution might guarantee equal rights, but we’ve all seen how rights on paper don’t translate into fair outcomes in practice.
How Many More?
How many times do we have to say there’s a problem? How many reports, studies, and news stories do we need before something changes? How many funerals have to happen before Black women stop being ignored?
On top of everything, we’re expected to endure this with grace and resilience. Black women have been holding up the world for generations, but we are tired. We cannot fix this alone. We shouldn’t have to.
A Call to Action: Protect Black Women—NOW
This is not about blaming or playing victim. This is about demanding the justice and protection every human being deserves.
What needs to happen now:
Policy Reform
Demand reforms that address glaring disparities in policing, health care, and legal protection for Black women.
Fund community initiatives that specifically support Black women facing violence and economic inequality.
Support Organizations Fighting for Black Women
Support groups like the Black Women’s Health Imperative or the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation that are doing the work to raise awareness and create systemic change.
Listen and Believe Black Women
Stop dismissing our stories, pain, and humanity under the guise of “strength.” Take us seriously when we speak.
Accountability
Hold lawmakers, organizations, and individuals accountable when systems fail Black women—because these failures are literally costing us our lives.
Time to Step Up
Black women have been speaking out for years, but unequal systems don’t respond until we demand more, fight harder, and prove ourselves worthy of attention.
Enough is enough. Black women are not asking for special treatment—we are calling for basic human dignity.
Protect Black Women—in health care, in courtrooms, in workplaces, and in communities. Not later. Not eventually. Do it NOW.
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