Who are people of color?
People of color can be defined in many ways and
may be perceived differently from one individual to the next. For the purpose of
article, the phrase, "people of color" is not defined by how individuals may
identify themselves, but how they are identified by their larger community.
"People of Color" is a fluid term, defined by the social, political and
economical mainstream of a community and not necessarily by how individuals
self-identify in terms of their race, ethnicity and color (e.g.
African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, or Native American). For
example, a Native American may not consider herself to be a person of color, but
her community may view her as such and express this view through discrimination
and oppression. The perceptions of who people of color are vary from one
community to another. A community with a large Hispanic population may not view
a Hispanic person as a person of color, but may view an African-American as
such. This article will use a definition based on how larger communities perceive
people of color because this definition emphasizes how discrimination and
oppression intersect with the issue of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is a form of oppression
When people think about domestic violence, very
often an image of a woman with a black eye or broken bones comes to mind. The
physical abuse and injuries sustained tend to be the focus. While physical
injuries are the ultimate danger and deserve immediate attention and priority,
domestic violence is more than broken bones and bruises. Domestic violence is a
pattern of behavior in which one person exercises power and control over another
- it is a form of oppression. Oppression, as defined by Webster's Dictionary,
means the act of persecuting or subjugating by unjust use of force or authority.
Oppression is generally viewed as a situation when a person with power
(physical, political, social) dominates someone with less power and/or who is
vulnerable to force or authority. When considering relationships between men and
women, men are in a position of power physically, politically and socially. Men
are generally perceived as being more credible, usually have more financial
resources, and are socialized to be "strong" and "in control." These advantages
can be powerful tools when a man chooses to use them to control an intimate
partner - especially when they are enforced with threats and physical
force.
Barriers to seeking services for
victims of domestic violence who are people of
color
When a person of color is experiencing domestic
violence, they are experiencing a pattern of coercive control by another person.
This oppression may be compounded by discrimination and barriers placed before a
person when their community defines them as a person of color. These barriers
can include one or more of the following:
- People of color are unlikely to identify
emotionally and/or physically abusive behavior as domestic violence. This may be
due in part to the minimal distribution of public education materials about
domestic violence in communities of color and places that people of color may
frequent. Materials that are distributed typically do not contain graphics,
images, and messages that people of color relate to.
- There may be a biased delivery of services by
the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts) to people of color. This
statement is based on an historical perspective and a generalized perception
from people of color. The criminal justice system is often positioned as a
primary safety option when offering choices to victims of domestic violence. A
person of color may not view this system as a safety net, but as another form of
abuse and oppression. This mistrust of the criminal justice system may inhibit
people of color from seeking services.
- There may be a mistrust of the mainstream formal
system by some people of color. Some people of color may not trust services
provided by the "white" system (Government agencies, social service providers
and other helping agencies with primarily "white" administrators and staff).
Historically, some people of color were discriminated against by such systems
and people of color may perpetuate a mistrust of such systems as a form of
protection against further acts of discrimination. This mistrust can make people
of color hesitant to come forward for help.
- People of color are underrepresented among
domestic violence service providers. Although West Virginia licensed domestic
violence programs are private, non-profit agencies, they may be viewed by people
of color as part of the formal "white" system - a system that has historically
discriminated against people of color. This perception may be due to the limited
involvement of people of color in staff and volunteer positions in domestic
violence programs.
- The present formal system does not include
alternatives in which people of color needing help with domestic violence feel
comfort and trust. The myth that people of color "take care of their own" is
often used to explain why they do not seek help from service providers. The
reality is that the resources available do not always seem inviting or effective
to people of color. When given the choice of continuing to experience the
emotional and physical pain of a relationship that includes domestic violence or
seeking help from a system that is perceived to cause just as much pain and
suffering, some people of color may choose to stay in the abusive relationship.
The consequences of oppression by a white system may be viewed by a person of
color as more detrimental than the consequences of an abusive relationship. When
there are no alternative resources (other than the "white" system) people of
color may choose not to seek help.
What you can do to help?
- If you are a person of color, talk with your
local domestic violence program to learn more about how to get involved. People
of color may feel more comfortable talking with someone who has characteristics
similar to their own.
- Initiate the community action steps outlined in
the "Community Action Kit" (available from WVCADV) to involve communities of
color in efforts to end domestic violence.
- Understand that a person of color's hesitancy to
seek helping services may involve deeper issues based on cultural, historical
and personal experiences with other forms of oppression.
Although domestic violence crosses all racial,
social, economic, educational, ability and age boundaries, the way each victim
experiences domestic violence is very much connected with those
boundaries.
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