Domestic violence (DV) significantly compromises the health and safety of African American (AA) women residing in New York City, particularly in communities like Harlem and Bedford-Stuyvesant. This health promotion plan aims to improve awareness, empower women to identify abusive behavior, provide coping strategies, and enhance access to local support networks and services. The focus is on fostering resilience and safety for women in these underserved neighborhoods.

Community Demographics and Challenges

Despite New York City’s diverse landscape, many AA women live in fear due to ongoing experiences with domestic violence. The burden of DV is compounded by socio-economic challenges such as poverty, housing instability, childcare difficulties, and mental health struggles. A recent analysis by the Citizens’ Committee for Children (CCC, 2023) revealed that most families in NYC cannot afford child care for young children, leaving many single mothers without sufficient support or stability. This creates further vulnerability for women trapped in abusive environments.

Trust in law enforcement and social services is low, particularly among Black women, due to historical injustices and past negative encounters. The NYC Mayor’s Office reports that Black women are over twice as likely to be victims of intimate partner homicide compared to other racial groups (NYC, 2021). Despite the presence of shelters and counseling services, demand often exceeds availability, and access is limited by fear, stigma, and logistical barriers such as work or childcare responsibilities.

Furthermore, underreporting is widespread. The National Black Women’s Justice Institute (2021) states that for every Black woman who reports sexual violence, at least 15 remain silent, often due to shame, fear of retaliation, or systemic neglect. Without targeted, culturally sensitive interventions, many women remain in unsafe situations, with limited opportunities for healing or escape.

Community Profile and Its Relevance to Domestic Violence Prevention

Sociocultural Context and Risks

This plan centers on African American women in New York City neighborhoods where DV is prevalent but often hidden. In areas like Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem, women face compounded risks due to low incomes, limited housing options, and barriers to healthcare. Many women remain in dangerous households because they depend financially on their partners or lack alternative housing. Fear of judgment and lack of culturally competent care also prevent them from seeking help.

Even when support systems exist, such as shelters or therapy, these resources are frequently overwhelmed or inaccessible. Busy work schedules, lack of childcare, and social stigma further limit women’s ability to utilize available services. According to NYC Health (2024), Black women in NYC are more frequently victims of domestic homicides compared to other groups, underscoring the urgency of providing more accessible and culturally relevant support.

This plan addresses these disparities by promoting trauma-informed care, community engagement, and outreach tailored specifically for AA women. Through safe, reliable, and inclusive services, we aim to foster resilience and enable women to rebuild their lives free from violence.

Importance of Domestic Violence Prevention

Health Impacts and Need for Intervention

Domestic violence is not only a safety concern but also a pressing public health issue affecting the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of African American women. Statistically, AA women experience DV at disproportionately high rates and often face more complex challenges when attempting to access help. On average, these women lose their lives to abusive partners at the age of 36, five years younger than the national average (Waller et al., 2021).

DV leads to serious consequences such as mental health disorders, physical injury, job loss, and homelessness. In communities like Harlem and Bedford-Stuyvesant, poverty and unstable housing make it even more difficult for women to leave abusive environments. Distrust of the legal system, cultural stigmas, and fear of damaging family reputations further discourage women from speaking out.

Most existing services fail to incorporate the cultural and social experiences of Black women. Many shelters lack trained staff familiar with the unique barriers faced by AA survivors. Mental health support is also out of reach for many uninsured individuals. To mitigate these disparities, it is critical to promote early intervention, education, and culturally informed programming that builds trust and ensures long-term safety and recovery.

SMART Health Goals for Domestic Violence Prevention

Individualized Support through Education and Outreach

Tasha Williams, a 32-year-old African American woman from Brooklyn, lives in a small apartment with her children. She is a recent survivor of domestic abuse and now experiences anxiety, insomnia, and isolation. After being encouraged by friends, she connected with a local support group. Based on her story and the needs of others in similar situations, a one-hour educational session was designed with SMART goals to raise awareness and provide coping tools.

The program’s success will be measured through pre- and post-session surveys to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in handling DV. These goals were informed by feedback from AA women in the community and seek to provide immediate, measurable impact.

SMART Goals Table

SMART Goal	Description
Goal 1: Increase Awareness of DV Signs	Specific: By the end of the session, 90% of participants will identify at least four indicators of domestic violence, such as emotional abuse, physical harm, manipulation, and control. Measurable: A quiz will be conducted immediately after the session. Achievable: Interactive teaching methods such as videos, group discussion, and storytelling will be employed. Relevant: Identifying abuse early helps women seek timely assistance. Time-bound: Achieved within the one-hour session.
Goal 2: Promote Safe Disclosure	Specific: At least 60% of participants will express readiness to talk about DV with trusted individuals. Measurable: Post-session survey will gauge willingness to share. Achievable: Role-plays and handouts will help participants prepare for these conversations. Relevant: Encourages building support systems. Time-bound: To be achieved by session’s end.
Goal 3: Teach Coping and Safety Strategies	Specific: Participants will learn at least two safety planning techniques, such as creating an emergency contact list or practicing calming exercises. Measurable: Confidence in using these techniques will be assessed through a post-session survey. Achievable: Guided practices and small group activities will be used. Relevant: Empowers women to take proactive steps toward safety. Time-bound: Completion by the end of the session.

Conclusion

Domestic violence continues to endanger the lives and health of many African American women in New York City. Through this targeted health promotion plan, we aim to raise awareness, provide trauma-informed education, and ensure that culturally appropriate support systems are available and accessible. By amplifying the voices of survivors and responding to their lived experiences, initiatives like these can play a pivotal role in breaking cycles of violence and fostering community healing. Tasha’s journey reflects the need for safe spaces, education, and resources that empower women to take control of their lives and futures.

References

Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC). (2023, October 5). New report finds 80% of New York City families cannot afford child care for children under 5. https://cccnewyork.org/press-and-media/new-report-finds-80-of-new-york-city-families-cannot-afford-child-care-for-children-under-5/