WEST, Carolyn M., editor, VIOLENCE IN THE LIVES OF BLACK WOMEN; Battered Black and Blue, co-published simultaneously as WOMEN and THERAPY

Abstract

WEST, Carolyn M., editor, VIOLENCE IN THE LIVES OF BLACK WOMEN; Battered Black and Blue, co-published simultaneously as WOMEN and THERAPY. Volume 25, Numbers 3-4,2002. Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, 2002, 211 pp., $24.95 softcover and $49.95 hardcover.This volume fills a great need in the literature from many different points of view. The authors use a feminist perspective, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods, to investigate all aspects of violence in the lives of Black women, including childhood sexual abuse, partner violence, sexual assault, workplace violence, street violence, battered Black lesbian lovers, racialized sexual harassment of Black women, battered Black women who have experienced brain trauma and Black women who have been murdered by their intimate partners. In addition to providing an overview of the issues and problems, the authors also offer solutions that speak to Black women's strengths and resilience, in addition to extensive citations and references.Violence in the lives of Black women is often ignored, shrouded in guilt, shame, secrecy and silence. In many cases, as long as the violence remains Black-on-Black, police may be satisfied not to interfere. This volume is divided into sections: Part 1 or Overview of Violence provides an overview context by West as well as information on community violence, trauma, grief and coping. Part II or Types of Violence looks at childhood sexual abuse and risk/ resilience in a longitudinal study, Black women's coping strategies in psychologically abusive dating relationships, their strategies for disengaging from abusive relationships, the effects of racism and sexism on Black rape victims, and racialized sexual harassment in the lives of Black women. Part III or Marginalized Populations looks at Black lesbians and domestic violence, and head and brain injuries experienced by Black female victims of intimate partner violence. Part IV or Breaking Silence or Activism and Healing looks at research as an act of resistance and healing for Black women who have survived intimate male partner violence, fragmented silhouettes, using a film project to break the silence about sexual violence in the Black community, and searching for better ways to handle violence. The book ends with another overview essay by West and includes extensive suggested supplemental readings and websites that readers may wish to consult.I was heartened to see the inclusion of lesbian domestic violence in this book. The topic is not PC and is often hush-hushed by feminists who prefer not to deal with it at all. This chapter author, Robinson, points that between 30-40% of lesbians have been involved in physically abusive relationships. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse often occur together. There are equally high rates of lesbian battering found across all cultures and ethnic groups. Lesbian abuse follows the same pattern as male-on-female abuse [verbal abuse escalates to physical abuse followed by apologies and remorse and promises that it will never happen again; attempts to isolate and cut off the abused partner; repeated cycles of violence; threats to out the abused partner to children, family members, property owners and employers and co-workers]. …