| The prevalence of interpersonal violence against women has been consistently highlighted in contemporary research as one of the major challenges in American society. The majority of research has indicated that the experience of intimate abuse effects women irrespective of cultural or racial origins. However recent studies have shown that not only are these factors relevant but that they also influence that the pattern and the consequences for women from racial and ethnic minorities. The purpose of this paper is to explore some of these issues related to the cultural, situational and social factors which impact on the cycle of abuse and the increased involvement of Black women in violent crimes. What are some of the factors, which impact on Black and minority women's experiences of intimate abuse? Drawing on comparative research findings in America and Britain I will be identifying some of the distinct situations and contributory factors which increase their risk of victimization. What is the relationship between these early experiences of abuse and the wider social and structural context of abuse? What is the relationship between intimate abuse and increase rates of violent offenses committed by Black and minority women I examine the different social and feminist theories, which could explain the interplay between gender, ethnicity and race in relation to victimization and offending behavior of Black women. Finally I will present an approach which incorporates psychological, cultural, situations] l environmental and structural explanations. This new paradigm moves away from the traditional explanations which pathologists women's experiences whilst ignoring the complex interaction between female offending and intimate abuse. |
Updated 05/20/2006