Understand people’s experiences along the survivor journey

Cultural factors can impact people's experiences. The survivor journey helps us explore and better understand the experience of Black women and girls. It is recognized that being a survivor is only a part of the experience. Individuals have the freedom to determine how they define their experiences.

Education and prevention

Education about healthy relationships in the Black community Education comes from social media, faith affiliations, or family norms.

Warning signs

Warning signs are when red flags present themselves and there is a risk of intimate partner violence occurring. Some of the warning signs include: 

• isolation

• power

• control

• excessive criticism

Increasing severity

Increasing severity is when survivors may experience:

• serious injuries

• public humiliation

• law enforcement or child protective services become involved

This is where the common “Strong Black Woman” stereotype can hurt Black women and girls. There is an idea that Black women can handle mistreatment and stress because of historical resilience.

Staying in contact

Staying in contact is where Black women learn how to maintain safety upon separation or while staying in contact with a partner. Sometimes contact is by choice, sometimes by necessity, and sometimes it is ordered by a court. In addition, children are likely to have ongoing contact with the parent who is or was abusive, even if their parents are no longer together.

The following are examples of people who remain in contact: 

• person remaining in a relationship with a partner who is or was abusive

• person has left a relationship with a partner who is or was abusive and has ongoing contact

• children who are in contact with either or both parents

Survivorship

Survivorship is important as people continue to navigate their lives.

It is also critical in cases of intimate partner violence fatalities. In these situations, families and communities are:

• supported in the grief process 

• efforts are made to prevent revenge and seek justice

• families may become IPV advocates and work to keep their loved one's spirit alive 

Author Takari Talmore offers a solution for anyone seeking to escape the devastating grip of Intimate Partner Violence. Readers have the opportunity to explore a newfound strength within to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim their life.

Learn more: “Hey Girl Hey: Sorry, Can't Fix This” https://a.co/d/02Kqkitn

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts