Portraits of Domestic Violence Portraits of Domestic Violence

A REPORT SUBMITTED TO BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA FOUNDATION BY JEMMOTT ROLLINS GROUP OCTOBER 2018

Funding for this project was provided by Blue Shield of California Foundation, Blue Shield Against Violence

Blue Shield is committed to build lasting solutions to end domestic violence and make California the healthiest State, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors

2 Portraits of Domestic Violence Foreward 4 Table of About This Report 6 Contents Methodological Approach 7 Executive Summary 8 Core Findings 9 The Stories in Context 10

Escaping Abuse: The Stories of Survivors 12 Experiences of Men 17 Interactions With the DV System 20 Solutions From Survivors 26

Recommendations 30 About Us 33

Appendix 36 Interview Guide

3 Foreward

Deborah Prothrow-Stith, M.D. n this report to the Blue Shield of lack of social support and finan- tations for Black women (and men) California Foundation, Portraits cial instability. in domestic violence relationships. Dean, College of Medicine Iof Domestic Violence: The Afri- Reporting intimate partner violence Charles R Drew University of can American Experience, Jemmott An understanding of factors requires trust in those receiving Medicine and Science Rollins Group (JRG) presents a vivid that contextually contribute to the reports and in their capacity to Los Angeles, California qualitative portrayal of 15 women DV including financial difficulties, respond appropriately. Portraits of and men and their experiences with alcohol and other drug use, toxic African American survivors touches domestic violence. Based upon indi- masculinity, trauma. upon the complexity of serving men vidual interviews with each partici- and amplifying their voices in our pant, all of whom self-identified as Women make up 85 percent of the efforts to end domestic violence; Black and as a survivor of domestic victims of domestic violence and while many are perpetrators, we violence, the report not only tells each Black women are disproportionately know less about them and those that story, but it also reflects on the inter- affected compared to their white are victims are hidden behind the actions with the support services and counterparts. African American faces that shape our perceptions. resources. It provides and illustration women report domestic violence of the ways gender, race and ethnicity rates that are 35 to 50 percent The #MeToo movement, which was impact on the connections to and higher than white women. African started by a Black woman, has helped benefits from such services. American women also use available to create a context for understand- support services and resources at a ing the abuse spectrum from sexual The people interviewed for this lower rate than other women, cre- harassment and sexual assault to the report shared similar experiences ating a dilemma for service provid- power and control issues that consti- with most other domestic violence ers. This report sheds light on that tute domestic violence. Black survi- survivors. Specifically: dilemma and affords significant vors as a group may benefit from this, insight into what service providers not only from the general increase in Experiences with violence in might begin to do to address this consciousness and awareness, but their childhood homes causing disparity. This includes making from the growing understanding that difficulty with identifying DV as time to listen, being respectful and existing services are not meeting their a problem in their adult relation- providing culturally competent needs. The staggering number of ships. responses. An understanding of the people who responded to the #MeToo historical, complicated and diffi- movement also underscores the depth Barriers to leaving relation- cult relationship between the Black of our societal and cultural problem, ships characterized by DV in- community and policing also has to and the inadequacy of our respons- clude concerns for their children, inform recommendations and expec- es to one of the most devastating

4 Foreward

aspects of that problem, domestic believed - and worse - criminally authority. And until very recently, that often traumatize rather than violence. The response also demon- punished for defending themselves. most countries offered little to no help; they want those responsible strates the degree to which sexual In a Florida case, survivor Maris- legal protection from domestic to insure adequate housing for all assault and domestic violence go un- sa Alexander’s lawyer put forth a violence, treating it as a private of California’s diverse populations, reported, and this report shines some “stand your ground” self-defense matter within the home. The testi- with culturally appropriate ser- light on why this is so, particularly for to her firing a warning shot at her mony of the survivors in this report vices close to that housing. They Black women. abuser. That defense was rejected. reveal the toll domestic violence need health clinics to appropriately Alexander was sentenced to 20 takes on mental, physical, emotion- diagnose and tend to their deepest Two recent high profile examples years in prison in 2012 in the state al, and social health. Its devastation wounds, not simply to treat the illustrate and potentially influence that exonerated the killer of young is intergenerational, cutting across superficial evidence of the stress- how African American and other Treyvon Martin who also used the race, class and geography and, not ors they endure. They want to be women perceive societal support “stand your ground” defense. (She surprisingly, Black women bear an heard. They need friends and family for the plight of survivors of do- was released last year under a plea outsized burden. These clear, heart- to show up for them; for bystand- mestic violence. When viewed deal that required her to plead breaking stories of violence and the ers to stand up and make perpetra- through the lens of Black women, guilty to aggravated assault and insufficient, ineffective and often tors hear that others care; they need the response to Dr. Christine Bla- remain under house arrest for two punitive responses to the victims communities to lift up their plight sey Ford’s credible Congressional years.) California’s prisons hold vic- seeking help demand change. and stop asking what the victim did testimony about a teenage sexual tims of domestic violence who fight wrong; they need to roll back the assault by a now powerful man back, sending a very clear message The stories behind these por- rugs and end our collective sweep- reinforced their collective weariness that the protection of Black wom- traits compel us - their families, ing their plight under those rugs. with reporting sexual assault to en is not the mission of the justice neighbors, communities and pol- Theirs is the universal call for equity authorities. The lesson learned is system. The stigma, further victim- icy makers- to better understand and justice, with the expectation that there is no benefit to reporting ization, condemnation and backlash and respond to their plight. These that peace and security will exist in sexual assaults. If upper class, pro- are an all too familiar nightmare survivors are not asking for more their everyday lives. fessional and well-educated white to domestic violence victims who criminal justice interventions; they women are not believed and then expose themselves, their children seek justice in obtaining services Now that we know better we must further assaulted by “the system,” and other family members when that address their real needs and do better. what chance does an African Amer- seeking assistance. equitable resources in their com- ican poor or working class woman munities to support their partners, have? Even when the perpetrator Domestic violence is not a new phe- children and other survivors. They is also African American with a his- nomenon in our society. For centu- are not asking to be isolated and tory of abusing his partner, African ries, “wife beating” was considered driven deeper into poverty, poorer American women are frequently not an accepted exercise of a husband’s health status and toward services

5 About This

Report With the support of Center the lived experiences of Through its Blue Shield Against survivors and take account of the Violence Initiatives, the Foundation Blue Shield of California impact of domestic violence on their has led the state of California in Foundation, Jemmott lives, families and communities. working to address, prevent and Rollins Group (JRG) ultimately, end domestic violence. Reveal experiences and In its mission to serve California’s embarked on a qualitative challenges Black survivors face in most vulnerable populations, study of experiences and seeking support. the Foundation and its partners recognize a need to improve the challenges faced by Black Generate recommendations systems which serve Black domestic survivors of domestic to improve the DV systems-of- violence survivors, their families violence (DV) in California. care, based on the strengths and communities. As a partner to and weaknesses of the current Blue Shield’s efforts, JRG is proud This work is the second infrastructure. to present these findings and in a two-part research recommendations towards our Uncover culturally competent shared mission of a more just and series which seeks to models to serve Black families and safe California. consider holistically the communities impacted by domestic violence. perspectives of those ___ impacted by intimate partner violence, either as This report provides the Blue Shield of California Foundation, domestic community members of violence advocates and community as survivors themselves. stakeholders a close look at the resilience, creativity and bravery of In this report, JRG reviews survivors in the face of limited support the research findings and networks and offers their unfiltered insights from 15 in-depth feedback on how DV systems can be improved, particularly for Black interviews with women women and men. and men across the state.

This project seeks to:

6 About This Report

Methodological Approach

To examine how California’s DV gracious enough to allow interviews Each interview was semi-structured, After coding all 15 transcripts we system can be improved, JRG to be held in their offices. This beginning with a set of questions used NVivo to discover themes interviewed 15 women and men location provided a familiar place (Appendix A) that were asked of all across all interviews. Finally, we who self-identify as both Black and for many of the interviewees; for interviewees but also created space picked quotes from interviews which as a survivor of domestic violence. some currently in shelter or taking to follow themes as they emerged in most exemplified the most pressing In March 2018, JRG contacted parenting classes, holding interviews the conversation. Each participant themes. Quotes are included as they more than 10 DV organizations inside an organization they trust was was asked to describe themselves, were said with very light editing to (shelters, support groups, advocacy imperative and most accessible for their experiences with domestic assist readability. At the conclusion of organizations, etc.) throughout the them. In a few instances, interviews violence resources and their the report, we compare the comments state in regions with large Black were held at the participants’ homes recommendations to better serve of respondents in this study with the populations. We described our aim at their request. Interviews ranged survivors and their families. We also sentiments represented in the first to conduct interviews with Black/ from 45 minutes to two and a half were attuned to themes around race research project conducted with Black African-American survivors about hours and were conducted in the and whether survivors perceived community leaders. their lives, experiences with DV Bay Area, Los Angeles and the racism as a contributing factor in their and how they connected to support Inland Empire. Interviews took place experiences within the DV system. The interview participants identified services. Many organizations were from March to late May 2018. as: one mixed race, three as either kind enough to pass along our All interviews were tape recorded African or Caribbean immigrants, request or directly introduce us Before every interview, we informed and professionally transcribed and as described before, one as to current or former clients. A few each participant of the goals of the verbatim. Using the transcripts, male. The remaining respondents are additional interviews, including project and described their right to JRG coded each interview using all U.S. born women. Respondents the interview with our only male not participate, the option to use NVivo, a qualitative research tool, to range in age from 16 to 67. When participant, were gathered through a pseudonym for the final report illuminate themes and connections possible and appropriate, we include our personal networks. JRG then and explained that they could skip between respondents. To code, we a photo and the real first name of followed up with each lead and any question they wished to ignore. read through each line of transcript the participant; pseudonyms are attempted to schedule interviews We also worked to emphasize that text and digitally attached themes indicated by asterisk. For safety with the individual at a time and the project was independent from or “codes” which represented the reasons we exclude any additional place convenient to them. the organization that might have content of the statement. Codes information that would identify referred them to us, encouraging were developed inductively as the respondents, including the location Each interview was conducted in them to speak freely about their interviews progressed but we also of the interview. person and held privately between experiences without fear of began with a set of codes related to In this report the term “DV system” refers to the one interviewer and one interviewee. repercussion. Each interviewee the projects interests (i.e. “Systems combined systems that are responsible for pro- Organizations which distributed signed a consent form and received Failure,” “Shelter,” “Police,” “Physical, viding services to those experiencing Domestic Violence including: Child Welfare, Courts, Crimi- our call for participants were often a $50 gift card for their time. Sexual, Verbal Abuse.” etc.) nal Justice, Health Care, Housing and Shelters.

7 Black women in California are disproportionately impacted by domestic violence (DV). Conversely, resources to support survivors and their families in California are either Executive oversubscribed or underutilized. This report aims to highlight how Black sur- Summary vivors experience violence, how they find domestic violence resources and presents their recommendations to end intimate partner violence in Black communities. The report pulls from 15 in-depth interviews collected by Jemmott Rollins Group (JRG) during the spring of 2018.

8 Executive Summary

Core Findings

The Stories Experiences Interactions with Solutions of Survivors of Men the DV System from Survivors

Many survivors describe Men and boys experience the Police often act as the first point of Survivors believe that the sources experiencing the cycle of violence, cycle of violence also. Survivors contact in DV-related incidents, yet of DV are material needs, emotional from witnessing abuse in childhood describe the impact on their sons survivors describe law enforcement traumas and historical injustice. to facing violence into adulthood. of witnessing or being subjected as cold, unhelpful in connecting to Therefore, they recommended Because of the pervasive nature to violence in the home. Men also additional resources and lacking solutions related to economic of violence in their lives, many describe how they perceive violence empathy. Many interviewees saw justice for Black communities, struggled initially to identify DV and how their experiences may their lack of care as stemming from mental health resources and better in their relationships. In hindsight, be ignored. Like others, our male larger racial issues. As a result of treatment from the larger society as respondents point to financial interviewee pointed to systemic these initial negative experiences, ways to reduce DV difficulty or dependency, drug and factors that cultivate violence, many survivors decided not to alcohol abuse, trauma and toxic including that which is perpetrated call the police in the future, often masculinity as the cause of DV. by black women. suffering in silence. The Courts and Survivors faced difficulty in finding Child Protective Services also can resources and leaving relationships re-injure marginalized women by for a myriad of reasons, ranging separating children from mothers from concerns for their children, to experiencing DV. Overall, both state- lack of social support, to financial sanctioned entities were perceived instability. The experience with to be racially unequal and sources abuse seemed to be exacerbated for of victim-blaming. Finally, survivors low-income survivors, who often left described great difficulty in finding abuse only to face more difficulty emergency and long-term housing. with basic survival. While shelter is absolutely necessary for many people experiencing abuse, these services were chronically oversubscribed. Some describe waiting months to find open beds; others described unsanitary conditions or hostile living environments.

9 Executive Summary

Figure 1. The Stories in Context Lifetime Experience of ___ Domestic Violence by Race

Women in California continue In any given year, estimates to experience intimate partner suggest that more than violence at extreme rates. 700,000 women in California According to the National will experience some form of Intimate Partner and Sexual physical violence by an intimate Violence Survey, 34%, or one in partner. three California women report experiencing domestic violence Despite these unsettling trends, at some point in their lifetimes Black women in California face (Figure 1). As one of the most even higher rates of domestic populous regions in the country, violence, compared to other California holds the largest racial groups. 42.5% of Black number of domestic violence women report experiencing survivors in the United States intimate partner violence, 34.9% 42.5% 39.3% 3O.2% (4,939,000 women in 2012). compared to 39.3% of white women and 30.2% of Hispanic women.

ALL BLACK WHITE HISPANIC WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN

Source: National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2010-2012)

10 Executive Summary

Figure 2.

Total Domestic Violence Police Calls vs. Estimated Domestic Violence Incidents

Only a fraction of domestic in just one day, 17% of all violence-related incidents in requests for DV services California are ever reported went unmet in California; to authorities (Figure 2). 72% of unmet requests Of the 725,000 estimated were for emergency 725,000 domestic violence instances housing. While this data is 180,000 1,000,000 in 2011, just 158,548 calls not disaggregated by race, were received by California these trends suggest that 175,000 100,000 police according to the California women and Black 170,000 10,000 California Open Justice women in particular- who Initiative - under 22%. The are overrepresented among 165,000 1,000 number of domestic violence domestic violence survivors- 160,000 100 related calls in California experience a significant 155,000 10 decreased by 9% from 2010 resource gap after instances to 2011. of intimate partner violence. 150,000 1 With these challenges in 2OO7 2OO8 2OO9 2O1O 2O11 Since police calls reflect mind, the following describes just a portion of all domestic how Black survivors Estimated DV Incidents Total Calls violence related incidents, experience these issues resources offered by and their recommendations non-profit providers are to improve the domestic understandably routinely violence infrastructure. oversubscribed. According to the 2015 Domestic Violence Counts Survey,

Sources: CA DOJ Open Justice Initiative; National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2010-2012)

11 Escaping Abuse: Stories of Survivors

12 Escaping Abuse: Stories of Survivors

Renee first witnessed domestic refuge in a relationship with a and her ex-husband began to probably we were together violence at a young age. On the boy from her high school. They abuse drugs together. around ‘69, ‘70. So, in the 70’s outside, her family appeared quickly fell in love and became there wasn’t a whole lot of normal and financially stable, inseparable – she was pregnant Renee endured the relationship stuff... I don’t really remember supported by her father’s work at 19, married at 20. But their for about six years, until one day having any service providers. as a dentist in the military. She relationship was also mired with she had enough. I just kind of did my own was born in Germany and, after abuse that she says began at the personal development work a pit stop in Kansas, found a tender age of 18. She recalls, “Leaving was difficult because and that really helped me kind permanent home in the Bay Area. I was in love with him and you of transform.” Their life seemed conventional, “We got together and it was know he loved me in his own if not picturesque: a two-parent probably always kind of strange way. But I think about it, After the relationship, she moved home in a predominately Black abusive but it didn’t really I know there was this incident in with her brother, raised her professional community in manifest like the in-your-face where I felt like blowing his daughter and got her bachelor’s East Oakland. But her father’s kind of stuff. But I thought it head off. I knew then, ‘Okay, degree at UC Davis. Now, Renee alcoholism, rage and subsequent was attention.” we’re done.’ I think there was has turned her pain into power: violent abuse of her mother always this fantasy early that, she’s received multiple Masters tormented their inner family life. She later described the abuse ‘Oh, maybe he’ll change.’ I don’t degrees and is currently pursuing Growing up, Renee changed as physical violence, to which know. I did know I had hit my a PhD program. Before going schools twelve times as she, her she would normally fight [limit], so somebody was going back to school, she led a legal mother and younger brother back, verbal abuse and rape. to get hurt.” clinic for domestic violence attempted to flee the violence. Like many other respondents, survivors in the Bay Area, using She describes this time period as Renee describes not being sure At that time, Renee describes her experience as a survivor to full of “a lot of trauma.” her experiences were, in fact, resources as even less available provide compassionate care to domestic violence, especially at . clients seeking restraining orders. Lonely and looking for an escape a young age. She says things “You know, at that time, from the instability, Renee found were made more unclear as she see we’re talking back in ...

13 Escaping Abuse: Stories of Survivors

Table 1. Percent of Population Below the Poverty Line, by Race, Gender and Location, 2016

In our research, Renee’s story and reliance on social services. represents that of many other Renee, like others, believes that survivors. She experienced the financial stress is absolutely a cycle of violence from her father contributor to domestic violence. White Black Latinx TOTAL and then struggled to identify violence in her own relationship; “I think it’s true that abuse is United she faced difficulty in finding more likely when people are 11 % 26 % 23 % 13 % resources and describes minimal struggling financially. But States help from family or friends in yeah, you are vulnerable. I escaping abuse. Before moving mean when you have children U.S. Women 13 % 26 % 24 % 15 % in with her brother, she says you’re trying to eat, so a no one in her family intervened man comes along and they California 14 % 18 % 20 % 14 % or even knew about the abuse; know, again they’re master after attending 13 schools, manipulators, they start she had few friends to step in off saying the perfect thing. CA Women 16 % 21 % 22 % 17 % either. Yet in other ways, Renee Usually they don’t start off is quite different than other punching you in the face.” survivors we spoke with: she grew up in a two-parent home and- although not without difficulty- she was raised middle class and went on to become a professional herself. For survivors with fewer resources, often their experiences reflect even higher levels of dysfunction

14 Escaping Abuse: Stories of Survivors

Among all other causes of DV - was born to a 15-year old single She describes leaving the I had friends, but friends will drug or alcohol abuse, trauma, mother and quickly placed relationship: only go so far, especially the or a culture of toxic masculinity in foster care. After moving fact that it’s me and three.” - financial strain or dependency through a few homes she was “Our last physical situation was was labeled as the leading cause eventually adopted by a white in February 2017, where my Enduring the relationship for five of abuse. Survivors described family, whom she characterizes husband had jumped on me, years, Brittany finally decided that both the stress of economic as interested in keeping her “for and that was my final draw to escape and drove across the difficulty or, in the absence of the check.” Her childhood was with him. He ended up getting country, from the Midwest to financial strain, one partner being full of physical and verbal abuse, arrested, this was his first time California to pursue a career economically dependent on the neglect and racial antagonism getting arrested. I had to leave in entertainment. Although other, can lead to disastrous in the home. At 12 she was my house with the kids, and Brittany had taken some consequences. As African raped by her adopted mother’s go to a friend’s house. And I courses in medical assistance Americans and Black women boyfriend and conceived a child. got the restraining order, and, at a community college and in particular disproportionately Soon she and the baby were went through all the ropes that had reconnected with her birth experience poverty compared both institutionalized; her child you had to go through. Now mother, she had very little to other groups, the reflections to foster care and eventually we’re working on a divorce. economic or social support. Her of respondents likely hold deep adoption, and she, due to mother kept her children for implications for the larger mounting anger and fights in He was released from jail, and a while as she tried to figure population. school, to juvenile hall. Between he had the key to the house. out their new living situation. 13 and 16, she was in and out of I wasn’t allowed back to the Her ex-husband continued to Respondents like Brittany* faced detention centers and became a house, because DCF thought threaten her and their children. extreme financial hardship victim of human trafficking. At 18, that he would come back, In need of housing, she googled throughout her life. Brittany she married an abusive husband, which, he did. He burnt up shelters and came across her currently lives in temporary with whom she would have three my house, so I had to make a current residence that happened housing with her children. children. decision what I was going to do. to have space available. Before Twenty-three years ago, Brittany

15 Escaping Abuse: Stories of Survivors

finding this respite, Brittany For about two weeks Brittany to keep intact a nuclear Black found herself in another human lived with the woman and a pimp, family amidst stereotypes of trafficking situation upon arriving trying to plan her escape. Notably, rampant single motherhood, and in California. these dramatic events were set in pressure from family and friends motion after her experience with to endure bad relationships as “I ended up caught up with a domestic violence. Many survivors reasons they found it difficult pimp, and I didn’t know that described the abuse itself as bad to leave. Others spoke to the was the situation. I met this yet faced perhaps even greater material hardships: without their woman—basically this is my challenges in their attempt to abuser, many survivors would second time going to this store, leave. Brittany notes that while experience homelessness or and I was low on money, and she had called police and worked be unable to afford rent. Very the lady was like, ‘Hey, are with DCF, she was never referred few respondents saw turning you okay?’ I had already been to a shelter or other support to friends or family as a viable crying, so like you could tell service. Finding shelter was done housing option – either because I had makeup on, and it was on her own, under the pressure of of shame, the burden it would looking terrible… I was like, escaping human trafficking. place on others or simply being ‘Well, I ran out of money. I’m isolated with no one to call. not sure where to go, and what Survivors like Brittany faced a to do, I don’t have gas in my complex set of circumstances car.’ I was just venting about that made leaving abuse difficult. everything. She was like, ‘Oh, I Beyond the complications of have friends that can help you leaving a relationship in which get a job, and a place to stay.’ I one feels love and care at times, guess I was being very gullible, respondents listed concerns I trusted her.” around their children’s safety or continuity of schooling, pressure

16 Experiences of Men

17 Experiences of Men

Respondents routinely alluded to psychological health of survivors, to commit violence himself. beating up a sister. There are the impact of domestic violence their children and perpetrators two victimizations that happen. on their children, including their themselves. In our interviews, “The only time I ever hit a We know how the sister is sons. One woman described we spoke with Derrick, a male woman in a relationship we victimized, but the other part not being prepared to leave her survivor in his early 40s. He were having what seemed like of that that the brother doesn’t abuser until she learned he was described experiencing violence a normal argument. Out of realize happens with each sexually abusing her 10-year- at the hand of his girlfriend when nowhere she just slapped me. occurrence is that he’s made old son. Another woman was they would argue. And, literally out of reflex, I to be more and more of an confident the reason her 20-year- slapped her back. There was no animal and that’s a self-abusive old son was serving prison time “On another occasion, she anger, I didn’t feel anything… thing…” was because he grew up in a pulled a knife on me and then I’ve trained in martial arts violent home. she tried to hit her own head virtually all my life. To me, Describing root causes Derrick into a glass window…that once you strike somebody, mentions that while men “[My son] saw a lot of terrible night the police came, but she there’s a gender neutrality to certainly should not and often do things when he was growing up, didn’t have marks on her. I that. You’re a combatant at that perpetrate physical violence, the and I don’t think he ever gained had marks on me because p oi nt …” abuse men experience often goes the ability to cope. As he grew up, they were defense marks… overlooked. he just got angrier and angrier. He both of us went to jail and got In his mind, he defines this as a would be angry at my boyfriend… probation…After that incident, toxic relationship but sees the “…I’ve never heard a woman angry at me. He got into a lot of I just went to her and said I’m dynamic of violence itself being acknowledge that women fights in school. And I think that’s so much better than this… much more nuanced than the have their own mode of why he’s in trouble now… because look where this got me, it’s not typical male against female violence that they operate of that anger.” worth it…” characterization. with…I don’t know that women are willing to admit The cycle of violence deeply Later in his account he describes “Let’s just take the normative to themselves that they have impacts the physical and being provoked in the relationship occurrence that a brother is

18 Experiences of Men

a very high sophisticated current economic climate, Derrick This economic imbalance spoke form of violence… that considered Black women as to a larger culture of silence form of violence is typically sometimes more advantaged around the pain of Black men in not physical…It’s very than Black men – another cause Derrick’s interview. communicative, verbally of interpersonal strife. communicative. She knows “At a meta level, I think there’s everything about you, she “In terms of the power dynamic, got to be some sort of ethos studies you, she knows what the way it is now, women are that’s bigger than us that we makes you feel like a man and more independent of men can tap into…the brothers what emasculates you…when than men are of women. So, have to identify a higher worth you get into a real fight, she a woman can tell him, ‘Hey, than what society affords us pushes all those buttons, that’s I don’t need you’ and those for ourselves. If others won’t how she makes you feel bad, power dynamics, even though affirm it for us, then we have how she manipulates…there’s they may be true, begin to feel to do a better job of affirming very little discussion about that abusive for the men and the for ourselves because it just part of the fight when women only way they can dominate is doesn’t seem like anyone else in are controlling the emotions physically…she’s smarter than society is going to affirm that. and tugging at those triggers…” you, she’s more advanced, she’s We’ll still be the meal, we’ll still more polished…but she’s not be the expendable ones…So As a result, he felt that while men stronger…it’s sad, but that’s regardless of land, regardless needed intervention, communities where brothers relapse to…” of the culture in that land, plagued by socioeconomic regardless if you’re talking disadvantage generally had about the college-educated or a penchant for dysfunctional the imprisoned, there’s a very relationships. In fact, in the distinct loneliness about being a brother…”

19 Interactions With the DV System

20 Interactions with the DV System

Police instance, endured violence in be dysfunctional. She also did not nervous. I think they are so ___ multiple romantic relationships and know about any other resources saturated and so de-sensitized describes feeling shamed in her and despite multiple police calls, about DV because they see Not all participants in this interactions with police officers. only connected to a shelter much it so much. Then, they have study sought out or knew about later through a friend. She recalls their repeat offenders and resources when experiencing “The police didn’t make me feel that perhaps a police officer once it’s like, ‘Look guys, just don’t abuse. However, most survivors very good about myself either gave her the contact information keep calling here if you’re not had at some point called or because they would say things to a shelter, but says, going to try to leave.’ …Any encountered the police in the like, ‘Why are you staying? You support that you got, you got it midst of a violent episode. As the need to leave. What’s wrong “They didn’t give me real yourself.” first point of contact for so many with you?’ And then, even if I help or connect me to the experiencing intimate partner said, ‘I want maybe a citizen’s shelter. It was a telephone As survivors, Black women violence law enforcement ideally arrest.’ They would not take number. I don’t count that as a particularly felt they received this provides fair and compassionate the people to jail. Sometimes connection.” message and were thereafter care, aids in ensuring the safety of they wouldn’t even listen to discouraged from seeking help. families and the resolution of the me talking about the incident. Her comment denotes a need for immediate conflict, and connects They didn’t have an ear for it. a much deeper level of assistance families to resources like shelter, They just made me feel like of which she did not receive. healthcare, legal advice, child care don’t call them because they’re and counseling. not going to help you.” DeWanda was not the only one to Yet survivors often described express feeling shamed. Chantel their interactions with police At the time she called law remarks, as just another embodiment of enforcement, DeWanda describes violence and abuse, this time feeling as if something was “It’s very frustrating because state-sanctioned. DeWanda, for wrong with her, instead of you’re going to [police] for help considering her relationships to and you’re scared and you’re

21 Interactions with the DV System

In many interviews, respondents stolen by him. Then, another Kim’s interaction with police was sadness and the injustice of his felt strongly that poor treatment couple of times, something further complicated in that she murder, was conflicted because from police coincided with larger had broke out where he was experienced violence while also she also experienced abuse from racial animus. The following hitting on me and my kid and I dealing with her own bipolar him, and was afraid of seeking excerpts from Tilly and Kim had to call the police. schizophrenia. Lack of empathy assistance from law enforcement illuminate how survivors perceive from police exposes issues on a in the future because of its the actions of officers as racially How did the police treat you? few fronts: poor support for Black evidently deadly consequences. motivated: communities, domestic violence She now believes, KIM: Very shallow, not like survivors and those with mental TILLY: Now that I can honestly they would’ve a white woman. health needs. “I’m very against calling the say that felt like [the police] Definitely not what they police because I think that treated me like any other would’ve a white woman. They Survivors with these types when they come, man, it better black girl on earth because treated me like it’s your fault, of experiences adamantly be somebody that really is evil in their eyes, they’re just like kind of like, “You got yourself concurred: negative experiences and needs to get got…African well, there’s nothing we can do into this situation. We can give prevented them from calling American women, we don’t call about it. You might as well let you these resources, but we police in the future. As a result, them as much because police him back anyways; he got mail can’t get him out of your home,” families often suffered in silence treat our men different than coming here, there’s nothing like they’re not the resource. without much hope for assistance. the other men.” we can do. At the time of the interview, How did interacting with them another respondent, Danesha, Racial dynamics that frame Interviewer: How many times make you feel? was still grappling with the recent the conflict around mass did you interact with the police death of her child’s father at the incarceration and police shooting during your DV experience? KIM: Very insecure. They’re very hands of police. He was shot to of unarmed men typically center judgmental. death during a domestic violence on the experiences of Black men. KIM: I called the police maybe call from another woman. She Our interviews revealed how three or four. One, my car got was dealing with both feelings of racial insensitivity carries serious

22 Interactions with the DV System

consequences for Black women. Court & Child Francesca says she never called sometimes that’s your source Whether protecting their batterers Protective Services police or left the relationship. Still, of income. You know, your from harm or attempting to avoid unbeknownst to her and against ___ kids are your source of income. shame and judgment themselves, her will, Francesca’s mother called law enforcement was considered Child Protective Services about While most encountered the Francesca lost her kids and by many a hostile presence the abuse. With tears in her eyes police, not all survivors reported was ordered by the court to in their lives. A few survivors she explains, interactions with the court find another place to live. But themselves had been taken to jail system or social services. For without children in her custody, for fighting back, an act which survivors with children, the court “I have never had a run in with welfare stopped her payments, they felt would not have occurred system often assisted in settling Child Protective Services ever therefore preventing her from to white women. child support or custody issues. in my life before this situation. putting down a deposit a new Police are perceived by many For others, they visited courts I love my kids. Never had a apartment. Instead of receiving survivors seeking assistance as to press charges against an call, CPS never came by my support as a survivor, Francesca unhelpful and uncaring, if not abuser or seek out a restraining house, nothing. And then was criminalized as a bad parent lethally destructive. As often other. Finally, a small group when they came to my house, for enduring abuse and forced the first access point to services, of respondents reported court they came to take my kids. I to work her way out of this when Black survivors hesitate to interactions related to their was like… I didn’t have no predicament. She goes on, involve police, it follows that they own convictions. Francesca, for chance. And it feels like I’ve also miss out on vital resources example, experienced abuse been having to do everything “There was a report stating for themselves and their families. from her boyfriend. They lived almost by myself because CPS that I was addicted to ecstasy. __ together, and in addition to come in to take the kids and However, when they came out welfare payments, she survived that’s just it. The court order to my house, said here’s your and fed her children from his you to do everything and they court date, we need you to monetary contributions. Their expect for you to be able to do drug test tomorrow. So they financial interdependence is why it on your own, knowing that came out with the intent to sometimes when you have kids,

23 Interactions with the DV System

take my kids regardless. House child as well. You know, seeing and has classes three times a Shelter full of food, house clean, kids their parents come and go that’s week, along with random drug __ clean, they didn’t care. Went hard for them as well. Just as tests. As California moves to to drug test the next day and hard as it is for me, it’s hard for legalize marijuana, it leaves one As revealed in the annual didn’t have ecstasy in my my daughter. Both of them. It’s to speculate why the drug classes Domestic Violence Counts system but I had marijuana, hard for her to understand why are necessary as a part of her survey, there is a serious need for I was smoking marijuana. she’s not with me. And I have reunification plan. Meanwhile, her more emergency and long-term Now I have to go to parenting to tell her mommy’s in school batterer experienced no prison housing. In almost all situations, classes for some months and right now.” time, no classes – according to a person leaving domestic outpatient classes for three Francesca, she endured all the violence is without a home, and months for marijuana to get Francesca never admitted to consequences for her own abuse. lacking economic or social my kids back… the court that she experienced resources as often is the case, violence and since this incident Francesca is a mother who cares many need assistance finding My youngest daughter is she’s broken up with her deeply about her children. This shelter. As stated before, survivors actually in foster care now and boyfriend. She acknowledges was evident through her tears describe difficulty in knowing my oldest daughter is with her that the environment was not as she talked about the whole about housing resources. After father, ‘cause they have two ideal for children. Yet Francesca ordeal and how frustrated she resources are made available, it different fathers. I get to see my believes that with no prior issues, felt with them being taken from is often difficult to find a shelter oldest daughter once a month she should have been granted her. Like others, she felt that if she with open beds. because they moved her all the resources. Instead, because of were white, her children would way to Alameda County which the abuse she suffered, her world not have been taken. In this case For example, Tilly faced eviction is up north. And my youngest turned upside down. She lost and others, the court system and after her boyfriend broke the daughter, I get to see her every her apartment, had to move to CPS worked together to make life door in her home. She called week. But they don’t even think prove her stability to the court, more difficult for a family already 211 to try to find resources for about the strain it has on the found a job to support herself experiencing challenges. homelessness, and upon learning __

24 Interactions with the DV System

about her situation, was referred answer, some of the numbers with more stable income or episodes in the shelter. to a DV shelter. She called, only just busy, some of them they housing. Finally, after six months, to find out they had no room, but don’t got no rooms. You know, she found an open space at a When asked for the most she was given the number to it’s just a lot of stuff. shelter and currently is in search important intervention for another shelter. of long-term housing. She fears survivors, 95% of interviewees And you’ve been calling for six that her eviction will make finding said shelter or housing should Interviewer: How many shelters months? a place to live impossible; so be the top priority. However, do you feel like you called? far, all landlords have turned her they were adamant that these Yeah - because my lease was down. solutions should include safe, Over 60. up in November, I had got clean long-term housing that was evicted. Because that last Once in housing, survivors noted easy to access. Over 60? Are you serious? month I wasn’t able to pay the difficulty with short-term options. rent because he kicked me out. Brenda noted, Because there’s 20-something I don’t know. I was just going out here, and then there’s 29, through a lot. He took my tax “At the end of the 60 days, I just no …Wait… 29 in LA County money last year so it was hard called [my batterer], like, come and then 20-something up for me to do a lot of stuff. And pick me up. My little vacation north. So I called about I’m self-employed. is over. Because I had nowhere 50. And every time I called else to go.” one, they gave me five more In addition to domestic violence, numbers to call. Tilly faced challenges that Still others noted that some resulted from the intersection shelters struggled with So you would just go down the of work and housing. Like many cleanliness, placed families in list? others, perhaps her situation tight quarters or had challenges would not have been so difficult protecting families from others Some of the numbers don’t experiencing mental health

25 Solutions From Survivors

26 Solutions from Survivors

With their collective wisdom and Interviewees respond to the question: experience, we asked survivors to recommend ways the DV infrastructure could better support Black families. “What would your

Their recommendations fell into four categories: 1) economic support and help with basic needs, 2) community need assistance in dealing with traumas like racism and the cycle of violence, and 3) promote healthy to live in a world communications. without domestic violence?”

27 Solutions from Survivors

“I would say the prices, because a lot of people have to get in relationships to live together here, because no one can really just afford it. So it’s like what I’ve noticed is that people are like jumping into relationships so that they have a place to stay, and that they’re not homeless, because nobody can really just afford the rent here. It’s super, super high. And I’m just like, that’s just what I’ve noticed, is that people are jumping into relationships, and then the relationships are not healthy, and they’re not good, and they’re ending up bad. And some people end up in marriage because they end up having kids, and then people don’t want to leave because there’s kids involved, or because they’re not going to have somewhere to stay if they leave, because that’s all they had.” —Amber

“Get the drugs. Get the drugs and the parasitic people out. It’s like, ‘Who are the parasitic people?’ You can’t be judgmental, but I think they know who they are. It’s like the drug dealers, but the drug dealers are victims themselves. It’s a vicious cycle. They need money for food. You know what I’m saying?”—Kim

28 Solutions from Survivors

“I would think first of all that no one should get married unless they have counseling. First of all there really needs to be an understanding so it probably needs to even start in elementary school. So, you’ve got to do education. You’ve got to offer therapy or something for people to work through whatever’s going on with them. We’ve got to address the plight of African Americans in this country, we are not safe, we do not feel safe. And there’s a stress level that then activates other things. So, I think there’s so many levels of things that have to be addressed, economic, the whole system. And how we are accepted in the system has to change.” —Renee

From their responses, we see that “That’s a lot of self-awareness that we should practice within survivors identify their problems our own lives, so that we don’t create domestic violence type as a complex web of economic, emotional and historical issues situations. And then, earning living wages. More services for plaguing their communities as a drug and alcohol people who are having struggles in that area. whole. None called for tougher policing; rather they lifted up And then, having good trauma informed interventions because the importance of basic needs, people are walking around in a lot of pain from domestic like housing and transportation for survivors and mental health violence, gun violence. The whole world is kind of twisted now resources for all involved. and it’s hard sometimes to be okay with that.” —DeWanda

29 Recommendations

30 Recommendations

Black domestic violence survivors in Convene domestic table care, reducing the time it violence service takes survivors to escape un- California face significant obstacles providers and invest in healthy dynamics. holistic systems ___ in navigating the current domestic improvements across the infrastructure. Invest in creative violence infrastructure. Through the emergency, long-term stories of Black survivors themselves, Police, social services, hospitals, and permanent housing shelters and legal entities all play solutions. the challenges are clear: an unjust important roles in the DV system. At present, these systems California as a whole already social services system and a strapped need improvements in how they suffers from a shortage of afford- domestic violence infrastructure. manage cases, refer survivors to able housing, placing domestic other resources and treat families violence survivors on a long list of Towards a more culturally with dignity. These entities need other populations who also need additional support (resources access to shelter. We recom- competent domestic violence and training) to create environ- mend a creative partnership with ments of refuge for Black survi- foster care systems, homeless movement, JRG recommends: vors, as opposed to perpetuating service providers, and veterans, systemic violence on an already disabled and DV organizations to vulnerable population. collectively design a solution that ___ serves the unique needs of these vulnerable groups. DV survivors Re-design the DV often fall into many of these cate- service pathway. gories, yet the lack of safe, clean and long-term housing, again, Typically police act as the first prevents survivors from escaping contact point for DV services. abuse. As Black communities Through promotion of alternative disproportionately experience entry-points (i.e. the hotline, DV poverty, the lack of housing at shelters, or new alternatives), present incentivizes remaining in Black populations can receive dysfunctional situations to keep a more compassionate and equi- roof over one’s head.

31 Recommendations

Support the Consider policy Continue to lift the Acknowledgments development of interventions that would voices of marginalized programs focused on re-frame the role of the communities through the Thank you to Blue Shield of community prevention: Department of Children dissemination of these California Foundation for their mental health support, and Family Services findings. support in the creation of racial healing and (DCFS) in separating this report. Special thanks to economic justice. families impacted by Promote the insights provided all interview participants for domestic violence. by this study to a larger number sharing your stories so openly Survivors see domestic violence of domestic violence leaders and bravely; we cherished the as a product of a complex web of This report supports several po- through Blue Shield’s existing opportunity to speak to each of economic, historical and emo- tential spaces for policy interven- channels, including the webinar you. We owe endless gratitude tional traumas. Their foremost tion: making financial resources series, future leadership meet- to the following community request is for material supports available for survivors to leave ings and the newsletter. partners, without whom this related to housing and trans- destructive relationships, sta- report would not be possible: portation, along with mental bilize funding for DV initiatives, Melissa Pitts and the House of health resources throughout the and engaging in anti-poverty Ruth, Marjorie Stein and Op- community. In the interest of work to address the root causes tion House, Susun Kim, Esq, solutions which center the voices of DV would all be worthy caus- Contra Costa County Family of survivors and communities, es. However, one of the most Justice Center initiatives which speak to the immediate policy interventions material and emotional needs of may be reorganizing the pro- the community speak to what cedures of The Department of survivors think is needed most. Children and Family Services ___ (DCFS) intervention. At present, leaders express that Black women are discouraged from seeking assistance in fear of being sepa- rated from their children. This is a deeply consequential problem that could be remedied directly. ___

32 About Us

33 About Us Jemmott Founded in 2002, JRG is a minority and woman owned management assistance organization dedicated to Rollins improving the human condition through work with public Group and private sector leaders. Our focus on building capacity, leadership development, training, strategy and organizational development has allowed us to engage with key actors in the policy, service provider and community landscapes. Our interest in and commitment to ending domestic and family violence stems from activism and social justice pursuits along personal, professional and political axes. Our recommendations for improvements in practices begins by understanding the issues and policies from the perspective of those most affected by them. Our aspiration is to share our insights and to offer opportunities for those with the lived experiences of domestic and family violence to raise their voices and visibility. As management practitioners of color, based in a vibrant African American community, we appreciate the support of Blue Shield of California Foundation in supporting this work.

Please visit our website for more information about our firm: www.jemmottrollinsgroup.net

34 About Us

Project Manager Research Lead & Report Author: Community Outreach Research Associate: Fran Jemmott Jasmine Hill & Coordination Lanette Jimerson, PhD Carlene Davis

For over forty years, Fran Jemmott Jasmine Hill is a social justice consultant, Carlene Davis is a collective impact Lanette Jimerson is a scholar, consultant has contributed significant program educator and PhD candidate in Sociology leader and strategist for positive social and educator. Her research focuses development to improve community at Stanford University. As a mixed- change. Her work is focused on building on access to literacy for under served health outcomes in African American methods researcher, her work is focused the capacity of women, families and populations—particularly youth and Communities. She is a founder of the on improving the economic conditions communities to navigate and challenge young adults who have experienced California Black Women’s Health Project; of low-income people of color in the policy and system barriers that prevent homelessness, domestic violence and lead consultant for the Strong Field United States and contributing to the them from realizing their full and desired sexual exploitation. Ms. Jimerson has Project for Blue Shield of CA Foundation; theoretical frameworks which describe potential. Carlene’s leadership for the been recognized for her work in the former Program Director for Women’s how racial inequalities persist. Jasmine Culturally Responsive DV Network led community by the Black Women’s Health Health at the California Wellness works with activists, non-profits, schools to successful transition from consultant Project, the Black Women Organized for Foundation (1996 – 2003); former and foundations as a research consultant, to participant leadership and she served Political Action, and the African American Board Chair of Public Health Advocacy; facilitator, and strategist on social change as Project Leader for the Movement Regional Educational Alliances. Lanette and currently serves on the Board of initiatives. She’s taught courses on Mobilization Institute. The Institute received her doctorate in education from CompassPoint Non-Profit Services. sociological theory, race, and inequality at convened DV leaders to promote radical the University of California, Berkeley. Stanford University, UCLA, Mills College, changes that would center the needs and Fran’s life work is centered around and Bunche Continuation High School services of Black Women throughout the using informal helping networks in West Oakland. Jasmine is co-editor DV field. Carlene received her Bachelor to complement formal services for of “Inequality in the 21st Century” with of Arts Degree in Political Science from prevention as well as interventions. She David B. Grusky (2017; Westfield Press). the University of California, Berkeley believes that restoring natural helping She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree and her Masters of Public Affairs from networks in marginalized communities in Communication Studies with honors the University of Texas at Austin (LBJ will contribute to long term, sustainable from the University of California, Los School). Ms. Davis was recently selected and culturally grounded approaches to Angeles, and her Masters in Sociology as a 2017 Robert Woods Johnson Culture solving persistent problems including from Stanford University. of Health Leader fellow. interpersonal violence.

35 Appendix

36 Appendix

Interview Guide

Interviewer Our goal is to improve the services available to Black women experiencing abuse and their Introduction families, so today I want to hear about your life, your experiences with domestic violence and your thoughts on what can be done to prevent violence in the future. We can skip any question you don’t wish to answer, take breaks or stop when you need to. At the end, you can choose to have your picture taken and decide if you’d like to use your real name in the final report. With your permission, I’m going to tape-record our discussion just so I can write notes later.

( Walk through consent form & collect signature )

Personal 1. Before we dive in I’m interested in learning about your life, from childhood up to this point. Biography Could you take about 1-3 minutes to tell me about yourself. 2. What are signs of domestic violence between intimate partners? 3. Some people who experience domestic violence know right away a situation is abusive, and other times, people say they didn’t know right away that something was wrong. What was the situation like for you?

4. Some people say abuse is more likely when people are struggling financially, other people say it doesn’t matter. What do you think?

5. What are the root causes of domestic violence? 6. When you were experiencing abuse, did anyone know? 7. When you were experiencing abuse, what impact did this have on your children? 8. How did your community (family/friends) respond when you experienced DV? 9. What made leaving the relationship difficult for you? 10. At that time, did you know about any resources for people experiencing abuse? continues...

37 Appendix | Interview Guide

Experiences 11. After you experienced abuse [use their terminology], what happened next? with Providers 12. How did you hear about these resources? 13. I want to hear your thoughts about different services, so I’ll list off a bunch of types of assistance. Say yes if you’ve ever used any of these resources: shelter, police, social services, family court, health clinic, nurse, therapy, pastor.

For each service mentioned:

• How long/how many times did you interact with [service]? • How did [service] treat you? • How did you feel interacting with them? • What did [service] do for you? • What did you like about [service]? • What could’ve improved the interaction? Or, what didn’t you like about [service]? • How would you describe their level of compassion? • How would you describe their level of organization? • Did [service] connect you to other resources? • How would your experience have been if you weren’t black? • Who uses [service] the most? (Racial demographics, age, income, etc.)

14. After a person experiences abuse, what should happen next? 15. Looking back, are there any services you wish you could’ve used but you didn’t know about then? Any support you used that you wish you would’ve avoided?

Recommendations 16. On a scale from 1-5, ( 1 – not a problem or 5 – a huge problem ) how much of a problem is domestic violence in the Black community?

17. Thinking about your community, what would need to change to live in a world without domestic violence?

18. After a person is found responsible for committing domestic violence, what should happen next?

19. If someone wanted to give a lot of money to better serve Black women experiencing abuse, what should they put it toward?

20. What do people need to know about domestic violence survivors?

38 Jemmott Rollins Group www.jemmottrollinsgroup.net

Frances E Jemmott, Principal/CEO] Bernard H. Rollins, Principal James Hull, Information Technology Manager Manager Maya Cacavas, Program Associate

Art Direction & Design: Brent Rollins