FORGING A PATH IN DIVIDED TIMES: DAYS OF DIALOGUE ON RACISM, GUN VIOLENCE & POLICING IN AMERICA

In October, the YWCA Pacific Region which includes California, Arizona, and Hawaii associations,
will host two Days of Dialogue events to address the intersectionality of racism and gun violence as it
relates to gender-based violence. Facilitated virtually by The Institute of Nonviolence, the events will
focus on the topic of Racism, Gun Violence, and policing in America. Trained mediators will guide
YWCA staff and community partners in discussion on the impact racism and gun violence have on
survivors.

We know that domestic violence and sexual assault can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, gender, religion, or sexuality. Most Americans acknowledge the fact that women are more likely to be the victims of these types of violence yet may not understand the impact of race on domestic violence and sexual assault. There are circumstances and challenges that are specific to each community of color, but women of color tend to experience domestic violence and sexual assault at higher rates than the general population. Despite experiencing higher rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, women of color are less likely to report their abuse and to seek help and support. Societal barriers can often prevent survivors from taking these steps, such as a lack of services in their community or a fear that the police will not take their report seriously. While these barriers can affect all survivors, women of color may face unique challenges and circumstances due to the intersectional oppression of both gender and race.

In addition to the societal barriers that all survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can face, survivors of color may also face:

· Cultural and/or religious beliefs that restrain the survivor from leaving the abusive relationship or involving outsiders.

· Strong loyalty binds to race, culture, and family.

· Distrust of law enforcement, criminal justice system, and human services.

· Lack of trust based on history of racism and classism in the United States.

· Fear that their experience will reflect on or confirm the stereotypes placed on their ethnicity or race.

We will also discuss gun violence and the “boyfriend loophole” which seeks to provide safety measures to domestic violence victims/survivors