November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta. Nationally, this month is also recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The focus of this month is to raise awareness around “the warning signs of family violence and the resources and supports available” (Government of Alberta, 2023, para. 1), end family violence, and build healthier relationships and communities.
Family violence refers to a context in which an individual employs violent behavior with the intention of exerting control over or causing harm to a family member or person with whom they have an intimate relationship (Statistics Canada, 2022a). The different forms of abuse, such as intimate partner violence and child and elder abuse can also occur in a range of relationships and contexts (Statistics Canada, 2022b).
History
Family Violence Prevention month began in 1986 due to the efforts of a local initiative by citizens in the town of Hinton, AB, who formed the Hinton Society for the Prevention of Family Violence (McGuiness Law, n.d.). This group was established to bring awareness to family violence and support survivors affected by it. In the past, the topic of physical abuse within the family domain was taboo, often isolating survivors, and creating a cycle of shame without support for families who have experienced violence (McGuiness Law, n.d.).
Today, despite a large research focus on violence in families, there remains a stigma around talking about family violence. By recognizing November as family violence prevention month, Albertans are encouraged to educate themselves on supports and resources used to assist those experiencing family violence (Government of Alberta, 2022). Resources such as emergency shelters and hotlines are made available on the Government of Alberta website. They also urge people and organizations to host events and share resources to raise awareness about family violence. Focusing on family violence should not be restricted to one month. There are various initiatives throughout the year to raise awareness about violence (Government of Canada, 2023a). The month of May is dedicated as ‘sexual violence prevention month’ across Canada. In October ‘Take Back the Night’, an international event, is dedicated to ending sexual and domestic violence (Take Back the Night, n.d.).
The month of November is ‘International day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’ (United Nations, n.d.). At the end of the year, on December 6th, Canada holds ‘The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women’, promoting the remembrance of women who have died at the hands of violence and to increase actionable plans on how to eradicate violence against women (Simon, 2022). The importance of Family Violence Prevention Month continues to be critical, as Canadians have witnessed a continual rise in police-reported family violence for the fifth consecutive year (Statistics Canada, 2022a). Furthermore, the province of Alberta has the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces (Government of Alberta, 2023). Governmental data has revealed that in 2019, more than 100,000 individuals were victimized by a family member (Statistics Canada, 2022a).
What is the relevance of Family Violence in Black Communities?
Although November is acknowledged as Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta, there is limited knowledge on the prevalence of family violence in Black communities. However, family violence awareness is imperative to Black communities. For example, Black communities are disproportionately affected by domestic violence (Gillum, 2019; Lacey et al., 2015; Taft et al., 2009; Williams & West, 2021).
The prevalence of DV in Black Canadian communities is influenced significantly by oppressive Eurocentric systems, namely racism, heterosexism, and patriarchal ideals (Valandra et al., 2019). Black men who have experienced higher levels of racial discrimination, are more likely to engage in DV (Maldonado et al., 2022). This does not equate experiencing racism to being an abuser, but directs attention to how oppressive systems, such as racism and patriarchal ideals, teach that to be masculine is to be violent (Powell, 2008). Although men exerting violence towards their intimate partners to gain power and control is not unique to Black men, the added stress of experiencing structural racism and oppression increases the likelihood of using violence to gain control. Furthermore, the systemic oppression imposed by the patriarchy is also relevant. According to Akers and Kaukinen (2009), “in a male-dominated society, where almost all positions of power and influence are held by men, women are often considered as legitimate objects of victimization and abuse” (p. 160).
Another crucial factor to consider is the consequences of experiencing DV. Victims of DV suffer a range of health issues and psychological consequences that negatively impact their physical well-being (Campbell, 2002). Black women survivors may experience various physical health issues, including headaches, fractures, intense pain, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) because of DV (Campbell, 2002; Government of Canada, 2022; Nnawulezi & West, 2018). Survivors of DV may also experience a range of psychological consequences such as increased levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Campbell, 2002; World Health Organization, 2012). It is crucial to highlight that Black communities encounter multiple obstacles when trying to access support services (Alaggia et al., 2007). Systemic barriers, such as racism in social services and the criminal justice system are evidence of this (Gillum, 2008).
Despite the multitude of research geared towards preventing and eradicating DV, there remains a gap for many Black communities in Canada, who face unique barriers compared to non-Black Canadians. As mentioned above, it is critical to understand the impact of DV in Black communities, as well as the consequences of widespread oppressive systems. However, it is equally, if not even more critical, to work alongside Black survivors, organizers, and communities, to centre preventative strategies to end family violence in Black communities. It is not feasible to try to eradicate violence within a system that has perpetuated such violence. We must centre Black ways of knowing and utilize preventative strategies, such as Africentric ways of knowing, being, and doing. As stated by the Combahee River Collective, a Black feminist lesbian organization, “If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression” (Taylor, 2020, p. 2). This November, we must raise awareness and discuss preventative strategies to end family violence. Such strategies may include raising awareness, creating space for survivors to receive relevant supports, working with Black community members, and faith-based institutions, as well as engaging men and young boys in discussions around masculinity.
