The pandemic created a “perfect storm” for Black women at risk of domestic violence

Most of the information on domestic violence against Black women is provided by nonprofits and government agencies. Many people working in those areas say they have seen an increase in requests for help.

There was an increase in domestic violence cases with Black women as victims during the Pandemic, according to a district court judge. Between March and December of 2020, Coburn Place, the center in Indianapolis, which has a clientele that is more than 60% black women, served 50% more people than it had in all of 2019.

Workers at the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention and prevention center in Los Angeles with a large clientele of Black women and children, say they experienced a similar surge in 2020 The team was forced to provide overflow housing services at a local hotel because of the staff's help. Charmine Davis is a clinical psychologist who leads Jenesse's family wellbeing department.

Creative outreach

When Black women were more at risk of domestic violence, the Pandemic created unprecedented outreach challenges. Many organizations charged with supporting domestic violence survivors scrambled to find new ways to deliver services and perform outreach that was previously done in person at schools, houses of worship, and other public spaces

Texting, social media, and email became vital for those in need.

The YWCA in Oklahoma City has transitioned into being more creative in the way it provides services. We were meeting with clients virtually, whether that be over the phone or through a video conference.

Beatty's staff created dedicated phone numbers and social media accounts to make it easier for their clients to communicate. In Los Angeles, the Jenesse Center promoted its Jenesse4Hope app, which allows users to schedule counseling appointments, journal, and access a "get help" feature, if they have it open.

Jamie R. Wright believes a phone call saved her life after her husband snapped one morning in April 2020. He put me against the sink. She said he hit her in the face.