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OMNES : The Journal of multicultural society
[ Article ]
OMNES: The Journal of Multicultural Society - Vol. 7, No. 1, pp.22-36
ISSN: 2093-5498 (Print)
Print publication date Jul 2016
Received 18 Mar 2016 Revised 27 Jun 2016 Accepted 29 Jun 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15685/omnes.2016.07.7.1.22

Domestic Violence and the Impacts on African American Women: A Brief Overview on Race, Class, and Root Causes in the United State

Natalie Jones ; Christine W. Thorpe
Teach For America 2016 Corp Member and currently a Special Education teacher
Department chairperson and assistant professor in the Health and Human Services Department at New York City College of Technology/City University of New York cthorpe@citytech.cuny.edu

Abstract

Victims of domestic violence from ethnic minority groups in the United States have a higher impact rate and less effective intervention services available to them than victims from the majority group. African American women have experienced traumatic psychological impairment due to partner abuse and lack intervention services that fail to fully apply comprehensive methods that can meet the victim’s needs. To comprehend the individual’s experience, one has to consider the varied factors and elements. This paper provides an awareness of this issue experienced by African American women in urban communities. We will explore how racial inequalities, class stratification, and ethnocentrism have influences and structural root causes that impact effective services.

Keywords:

domestic violence, African American women, abuse, womens’ health, health disparities

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Biographical Note

Natalie Jones received the B.S. in Human Services from New York City College of Technology, New York, the M.A. at Brooklyn College in Sociology and currently enrolled in the M.S. Ed. program at Hunter College, New York. She is a Teach For America 2016 Corp Member and currently a Special Education teacher. Her main research interest includes, education equity in non-white communities, race relations, domestic violence and Caribbean immigration.

Christine Thorpe received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Syracuse University, a Master of Education degree in international educational development and a doctorate in health education from Teachers College Columbia University. She is department chairperson and assistant professor in the Health and Human Services Department at New York City College of Technology/City University of New York. Her interests include women’s health and wellness, health disparities, holistic nutrition, patient navigation, motivational interviewing, and health literacy. She is a certified wellness coach and health education specialist. cthorpe@citytech.cuny.edu