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addressing systemic racism in violence prevention efforts

Addressing Systemic Racism in Violence Prevention

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Kenneth Keith
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Between 2010 and 2018, over 300,000 people in the United States died from gun injuries. This shows we need to tackle the root causes of violence fast. Systemic racism and violence are big health problems that cause deep social and health gaps for many communities.

In 2019, violence took 19,141 lives and injured over 1.4 million people in the U.S. It’s a huge issue that hits some communities harder than others. African American men face a much higher risk of dying from gun violence than others. They are 14 times more likely than European American men to be killed this way.

It’s important to fix these problems with policies, community health workers, and anti-violence efforts. The Biden administration is working to make things fairer and tackle racism. They’ve made plans to help under-resourced communities and fight against racism towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Key Takeaways

  • Systemic racism and violence are major health threats, causing big social and health gaps for many communities.
  • Violence is a big problem that hits some communities much harder, especially in gun deaths.
  • We need to use policies, community health workers, and anti-violence efforts to make things fair and safe.
  • The Biden administration is working to make things fairer and fight racism with new orders and plans.
  • We need to take a broad, detailed approach that focuses on racial fairness and empowering communities to solve violence issues.

Recognizing Systemic Racism as a Public Health Crisis

Systemic racism goes far beyond just personal actions. It’s deeply embedded in our society. It’s a kind of violence that stops people from getting their basic needs met. This leads to big social and health gaps.

The Legacy of Racial Oppression and Health Inequities

Racial oppression has really hurt the health of communities of color. Systemic racism is deadly for Black Americans, indigenous people, and other people of Color. It causes serious health problems like diabetes, stress, and heart disease.

These health gaps come from the barriers and discrimination faced by these communities.

Structural Violence and Adverse Social Determinants

Our health is shaped by big structural forces, like systemic racism. These forces lead to violence and health gaps in oppressed communities. Fixing these problems is key to solving the public health crisis.

Statistic Impact
Communities of color have faced more health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Racial and ethnic minority groups are at higher risk of getting COVID-19 and severe illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the health gaps in communities of color worse. This shows we need to tackle systemic racism as a health crisis.
Federal and state policies and practices keep discriminating against race. This limits BIPOC communities’ access to safe homes, healthcare, education, and jobs. Discriminatory policies block people from getting to the things that help their health. This makes health gaps in marginalized communities even bigger.

“Public health interventions addressing racism need to consider the unique lived experiences of individuals with multiple and intersecting identities for successful outcomes.”

Interpersonal Violence: A Health Inequity and Endemic Problem

Interpersonal violence is a big problem in the U.S., especially for communities that have faced oppression. From 2010 to 2018, over 300,000 people died from gun injuries. In 2019, violence caused 19,141 deaths and more than 1.4 million injuries. This issue hits marginalized groups hard.

Disproportionate Impact on Historically Oppressed Communities

Not everyone feels the effects of violence the same way. African American men are 14 times more likely to die from gun violence than European American men. In the 20- to 29-year-old group, African American men face five times the gun homicide rate of Latino men and 20 times that of European men. This shows the huge health gap in violence.

Demographic Firearm Homicide Rate
African American Men 14 times higher than European American men
African American Men (20-29 years old) 5 times higher than Latino men, 20 times higher than European men

Black communities bear the brunt of violence, showing deep-rooted racism and health gaps in America. Fixing this issue needs a broad plan that addresses the deep-seated barriers and unfairness.

“The disproportionate impact of interpersonal violence on historically oppressed communities, particularly Black individuals, is a clear manifestation of the systemic racism and health inequities that permeate American society.”

Addressing Systemic Racism through Public Policy

The United States has a long history of making public policies that hurt historically oppressed communities. These policies have made things worse for these communities. Even though we know we can change these policies, we haven’t done enough to help.

These policies have led to more violence and harm in communities and against individuals. But, we can use public policy to fix these problems and tackle their root causes. This gives us hope for change.

Lack of Equitable Policies and Funding

Black students graduate with $7,400 more debt than white students. This debt gap grows over time. Half of Black borrowers can’t pay back their loans within 12 years.

Communities with more Black people are more likely to lose their banks. This means nearly half of Black Americans don’t have a bank account or use subprime services, costing them over $2,000 a year.

Also, 26% of Black kids live in very poor areas. About 17% of all kids in America are poor, with many Black and Latinx kids missing out on benefits. Schools are also affected, with many families without internet for school work.

The Power of Public Policy to Effect Change

We can use public policy to make big changes. Increasing the child tax credit could cut child poverty by 40% and help over half of Black kids. Passing H.R. 40 could also study and recommend reparations for Black Americans.

By fixing these unfair policies, we can work towards a fairer society. We can focus on the health and happiness of everyone, no matter their race or ethnicity.

Community Health Workers: Agents of Change

Community health workers (CHWs) are key in fighting systemic racism and violence. They know the challenges and needs of their neighbors well. This knowledge lets them work on many levels to fix health problems.

Building Capacity Across the Social-Ecological Model

CHWs connect communities with healthcare systems. They help people get the care they need. They also make sure services are better and more culturally friendly, building trust and improving health.

  • At the individual level, CHWs give personal support and help people take charge of their health.
  • In the community, CHWs use their strong ties to spot and fix problems, getting people to work together and build strong networks.
  • At the organizational level, CHWs link health care with social services, making sure everything works together for better health.
  • Systemically, CHWs push for policy changes that help everyone have equal health opportunities, making sure their voices are heard.

CHWs work at all these levels, making big changes. They challenge old ways and help create a fairer society.

“Community health workers are uniquely positioned to address the complex, multi-faceted challenges of systemic racism and interpersonal violence. Their deep, trusted relationships with community members and their comprehensive understanding of the social-ecological model make them invaluable partners in the pursuit of health equity.”

Marginalization of Community Health Workers

Community health workers (CHWs) are key in fighting systemic racism and violence. Yet, they often don’t get the support they need because of their own marginalization in healthcare. We must work hard to help them overcome these challenges to use their skills fully.

Recent studies show CHWs are vital in stopping violence. Between 2010 and 2020, over 300 programs used CHWs. They filled 8 out of 10 key roles. But, only 6 of these programs focused on the deep causes of health gaps.

CHWs face big health gaps, like COVID-19 hitting communities of color hard. In Philadelphia, Black residents got sick at a rate 45% higher than whites. In Delaware County, it was 131% higher for Blacks compared to whites.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) has spoken out. They see CHWs as key in fighting racism and making health more equal. Groups like the Maternal Child Health Section and Public Health Social Work Section support this view.

But, CHWs still struggle with low pay, lack of respect, and too much medical focus. We need to tackle these issues to let CHWs change their communities for the better.

“Community health workers can intervene on structural racism and violence and bring cost-savings to the health care system.”

The Need for Training and Support

Community Health Workers (CHWs) need a lot of training and support to fight racism and violence. They must overcome the effects of institutional racism and classism in their communities.

CHWs are key to making health more equal by tackling racial issues and stopping violence in oppressed groups. But, they often face big challenges. With the right training and support, CHWs can overcome these obstacles.

Mitigating Institutional Racism and Classism

Racism and classism in institutions can limit access to resources and lead to unfair decisions. CHWs need to know how to spot and fix these problems.

  • Comprehensive training on the history and effects of systemic racism and classism
  • Strategies for advocating for fair policies and resources
  • Techniques for building trust and working well with marginalized groups
  • Self-care and resilience-building practices to avoid burnout

With the right training and support, CHWs can lead change. They can help create a fairer and more just society.

Connecting the Dots: Racism, Oppression, and Anti-Violence Efforts

Racism and violence are deeply connected and hurt communities of color the most. We need a strong plan to tackle these issues together. This plan links racism, oppression, and efforts to stop violence.

The “Race to Lead: Women of Color in the Nonprofit Sector Report” shows that women of color face big hurdles. These are bigger than what white women and men of color face. The “Black Women’s Blueprint Training” talks about how past traumas affect communities of color today. It looks at how racism and oppression cause violence.

The “Race: The Power of an Illusion” documentary series challenges old ideas about race. It says race doesn’t divide people in a biological way. The “Invisible No More” book by Andrea J. Ritchie talks about how Black women, Indigenous women, and women of color deal with racism and violence.

It’s key to fight racism and oppression to make anti-violence efforts work. The “Continuum on Becoming an Anti Racist Multicultural Organization” helps groups become anti-racist and diverse. The “Racial Equity Readiness Assessment” helps groups check their racial fairness and find ways to get better.

Linking racism, oppression, and anti-violence efforts helps us aim for a fair and welcoming society. This way, we focus on keeping everyone safe and well.

Impacts of Racism in the Anti-Violence Movement

Racism deeply affects the anti-violence movement. It changes how survivors experience things, how advocates work, and what the community thinks. It’s important to listen to survivors from oppressed communities. This helps us understand racism’s effects and work towards change.

Survivor Experiences and Community Perspectives

Survivors from Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities face extra challenges. In 2020, the Stop AAPI Hate organization saw a rise in anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. This made things harder for Asian American and Pacific Islander survivors.

Structural racism and health inequities hurt marginalized communities a lot. Studies showed how COVID-19 deaths and fatal police shootings affected these groups. This shows we need to fight anti-racism and focus on healing in the anti-violence movement.

“The anti-violence movement has long grappled with the pervasive impacts of racism, which have profoundly influenced the experiences of survivors, the work of advocates, and the broader community.”

Community groups and grassroots efforts help highlight marginalized survivors‘ stories. The Chicago Land of the Listener helps young people share their stories and connect with their community. The Network Weaver Learning Lab supports leaders in ending violence based on relationships.

By focusing on BIPOC survivors, the anti-violence movement can work towards being fair and inclusive. It needs to tackle racism, oppression, and violence together. This means working hard to remove barriers and helping everyone heal and change together.

Transformation Toward an Integrated, Intersectional Movement

Dealing with systemic racism and violence means changing the anti-violence movement deeply. We need an approach that looks at how these issues are connected. It’s important to focus on those most affected by violence and oppression.

The anti-violence movement has struggled to help communities of color who face violence more often. Past efforts haven’t fully understood how racism leads to more violence. This has led to less success in solving the problem.

To bring about real change, the anti-violence movement must change. It needs to use an integrated, intersectional approach. This means seeing how racism, oppression, and violence are all connected. It’s crucial to listen to those most affected by these issues.

“Injustice in health is a shocking and inhumane form of inequality.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By moving towards an integrated, intersectional movement, we can find better solutions. This change is key to stopping violence and making communities safer for everyone.

anti-violence movement

We must face the deep history of racial oppression and its effects on health. It’s important to see how systemic racism has influenced the anti-violence movement. We need to work on changing this.

Only by going through this transformation can the anti-violence movement really work towards a violence-free world. This means ending oppression and injustice for everyone.

addressing systemic racism in violence prevention efforts

Grassroots groups and community efforts are coming up with new ways to tackle systemic racism in violence prevention. They focus on the leadership of those most affected and aim to fix the violence’s root causes. This is done with a focus on racial equity and social justice.

Empowering Community Health Workers

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are key in violence prevention. They use their deep community ties to tackle how systemic racism and violence are linked. CHWs work to improve health and safety by addressing the big factors that affect them.

  • CHWs got a big nod in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. They were also seen as crucial workers by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In Eugene, Oregon, CAHOOTS handles severe mental health crises instead of the police. This has saved the city $14 million in ambulance and hospital costs in 2019.

Advocating for Policy Change

Grassroots groups are leading the charge to fight systemic racism through public policy changes. They’re pushing for fair policies and funding to change the way we prevent violence. They aim to break down the barriers that have held back communities of color for so long.

Policy Objective Proposed Solution
Abolish Qualified Immunity The Biden administration is urged to support legislation to abolish qualified immunity, a legal defense allowing police officers to engage in unconstitutional acts without liability.
Establish Lethal Force Standards President Biden is called upon to establish a federal lethal force standard where officers can only resort to lethal force when absolutely necessary, emphasizing de-escalation techniques before lethal tactics.

Through grassroots efforts and policy advocacy, communities are finding new ways to tackle the deep systemic racism that causes violence prevention gaps.

Anti-Racism Work: Individual and Organizational

Working against anti-racism in violence prevention needs efforts from both individuals and organizations. This means thinking deeply, learning, and being responsible. It also means making anti-racist rules, actions, and culture in groups that aim to stop and handle violence.

For individuals, learning about racial wrongs and thinking about your own privilege and identity is key. “Antiracist choices are a daily commitment that needs intentionality to create lasting change in society,” say social science experts.

  • Join a 21-day anti-racism challenge as a team.
  • Go to seminars or workshops on anti-racism and DEI.
  • Support roles focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at your job.

For organizations, changing values and actions is needed to fight systemic racism. This means:

  1. Creating a detailed DEI plan with ways to check progress.
  2. Providing training on anti-racism that helps people deal with bias.
  3. Encouraging staff to speak up about unfairness and making leaders take action.
  4. Setting up a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group or committee.
  5. Working with local suppliers and backing community events and projects.

By acting both as individuals and organizations, we can help end racism. This leads to a fairer and more just world.

“Addressing systemic racism in the workplace is an ongoing challenge that requires a shift in values and behaviors.”

Building Racial Equity in Communities and Systems

Working towards racial equity in violence prevention means making communities and systems fair. This includes looking at new ways instead of the old criminal legal system. We can do this by tackling health issues, supporting community-led solutions, and changing how we think about safety.

Exploring Alternatives to the Criminal Legal System

Many cities in the U.S. are working to make their communities and systems more equal. For instance:

  • Minneapolis City Council passed a law in 2017 to create a permanent Race and Equity Division. This division has staff focused on racial equity and makes sure race is considered in planning.
  • In Austin, Texas, the Office of Equity was set up by 2019. It has five full-time workers to make sure city programs help with racial issues and check on who works there.
  • The City of Oakland, Calif., started the Department of Race and Equity in June 2015. By 2019, it had two full-time staff. They work on fixing racial problems in institutions and systems.

These actions show that fighting systemic racism needs a deep, community-focused plan. It’s not just about the old ways of dealing with crime.

“Building centers of excellence in CBPR and improving partnership capacities require transformative approaches closely aligned with the social infrastructure and social capital ties within marginalized communities.”

Global Efforts to Combat Racial Discrimination

Addressing systemic racism in violence prevention is a global challenge. There are important efforts to combat racial discrimination and promote equity. These include initiatives at the United Nations and through international partnerships.

Racial discrimination can result in violations of migrants’ human rights. It affects their access to health, education, and justice. Discrimination in employment can lead to migrant workers being segregated in their jobs and earning less for the same work.

Member States have stood against systemic racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia. They did this through a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration declaration. This includes eliminating harmful stereotypes and hate speech.

States are urged to address racial discrimination in many areas. These include labor markets, housing, education, health, social protection, and justice. Proposed measures aim to eliminate laws that lead to racial discrimination.

Efforts also focus on combating hate speech and discriminatory discourse. They aim to expand regular pathways for migrants. Efforts aim to recognize and promote the rights and dignity of migrants, ensuring equality of opportunity in various aspects.

There are calls for a whole-of-society approach to protect migrants. This includes promoting their rights and providing support. Inclusivity and consistency in regional approaches to protecting migrants are recommended.

“Cultural diversity was highlighted as a significant asset for the advancement and welfare of humanity.”

The 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance played a big role. It emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing systemic racism.

Global efforts to combat racial discrimination are key in the fight for a more equitable and inclusive world.

Conclusion

Addressing systemic racism is key to stopping violence in the U.S. We must see racism as a major health issue. By using community health workers and changing the anti-violence movement, we can work towards a fairer future. This effort needs ongoing support, teamwork, and a strong will to tackle deep-rooted racism.

The facts show we urgently need to tackle the effects of racial oppression. Communities of color face more violence and have worse health outcomes. The data shows that racism leads to many health and social problems we face today.

We must keep pushing for policy changes and community solutions. Empowering community health workers and dismantling oppressive systems is crucial. By working together, we can build a society where everyone can do well. This is our main goal and the reason we fight against racism and violence in the U.S.

FAQ

What is the connection between systemic racism and interpersonal violence?

Systemic racism and violence are deeply linked. They hurt people who have faced oppression and those who face unfairness. To fix this, we need a broad plan that links racism, oppression, and fighting violence together.

How can community health workers (CHWs) address systemic racism and prevent interpersonal violence?

CHWs are key in fighting systemic racism and violence. They work at all levels of society and are trusted by their communities. This lets them help people get the services they need and make sure those services are better and more culturally aware.

What challenges do CHWs face in addressing systemic racism and violence?

CHWs struggle because they often don’t have the resources or support they need. This is because they are marginalized in healthcare. We must work to reduce racism and classism within the CHW workforce. This will help them fully tackle these big health issues.

How can the anti-violence movement address systemic racism?

We need to change the anti-violence movement to focus on systemic racism. This means working together and listening to those most affected. It’s key for creating real safety and justice in our communities.

What strategies and solutions are emerging to address systemic racism in violence prevention efforts?

New strategies and solutions are coming from local groups and projects. They focus on the leadership of those most affected and aim to solve violence’s root causes. This is done with a focus on racial fairness and social justice.

What is the role of public policy in addressing systemic racism and violence?

Public policy is vital in fighting systemic racism. Inequitable policies have led to violence at both community and individual levels. But, we can change these policies to help fix the problems they’ve caused.

How are global efforts addressing systemic racism and violence?

Fighting systemic racism is a worldwide issue. There are big efforts to tackle racial discrimination and support fairness. These include work at the United Nations and through international partnerships to help local efforts and protect the rights of marginalized people everywhere.

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