Due to a series of historic and social factors, the African-American community has a high incidence of domestic violence, a situation that is exacerbated by the oppressive systems that have drawn global attention over the last few months. There are many reasons why African-American women are three times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner, not least of which their tendency not to report incidents for fear of subjecting their partners to police brutality. Perhaps surprisingly, women in the church are not exempt from these obstacles when deciding to speak up. They experience shame and guilt for exposing their partners, they are often encouraged to stay silent by family members, the church itself – as a patriarchal institution – fails to acknowledge domestic violence, and when they do come forward, the abuse is often spiritualized or dismissed because of ill-equipped clergy. This is where our guest on the show today, Dr. Selina Carter, comes in. Dr. Carter is the founder and executive director of Spirit of Excellence, a nonprofit organization for teen girls and women. She is a renowned trainer who facilities workshops on dealing with domestic violence, with a special focus on the African-American community. In this episode, she talks to listeners about her own journey as a victim of abuse, the need for greater awareness and education in the church, why so many women risk their lives by keeping quiet, and what can be done to empower men, women, and communities.
Dr. Selina Carter
Harambe Social Services on Facebook
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Harambe Counseling Services — 609-225-6936
Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233
Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-TALK
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