Since 1619, Black women have faced violence and abuse. This started during the enslavement era in the United States. Back then, Black men and women were taken from Africa to America. They were sold as commodities, tearing apart families.
White slave masters used violence to keep them in line. They saw Black women as oversexed to justify their enslavement. This abuse was a way to keep white people on top.
Harriet Ann Jacobs’ story shows the abuse Black women suffered. In the 1960s and 1970s, Black women and others started organizing. They wanted to talk about their unique struggles, leading to intersectionality theories.
Key Takeaways
- Intersectionality looks at how race, gender, and class intersect to affect people differently.
- Black women and others have faced violence and abuse since enslavement in the U.S.
- Intersectionality helps us understand violence’s root causes and how to prevent and heal from it.
- It’s key to consider race, gender, and other identities to fight systemic oppression and support marginalized groups.
- An intersectional approach is vital for lasting change and ensuring everyone’s safety, justice, and opportunities.
What is Intersectionality?
Intersectionality looks at how different social identities like race, gender, class, sexuality, and immigration status overlap. These identities create unique experiences of oppression and discrimination. Kimberlè Crenshaw, a legal scholar, introduced this idea in 1989. She says these identities are connected and shape our experiences.
Intersectionality as a Tool for Analysis
Intersectionality helps us see how different kinds of oppression work together. It’s like a prism for inequality. By looking through this lens, we can understand the complex ways social inequalities affect people’s lives.
Identities as Interconnected Relationships
Crenshaw believes our identities are connected. They don’t stand alone but influence each other. This idea questions the idea of focusing on just one issue. It encourages us to see how different social identities together shape our experiences.
Kimberlè Crenshaw’s Definition of Intersectionality
For Crenshaw, intersectionality is a way to see how different inequalities work together. Her definition highlights the need to understand how our various social identities affect us. It shows how these identities lead to unique experiences for marginalized groups.
“Intersectionality is a lens, a prism, for seeing the way in which various forms of inequality often operate together and exacerbate each other.” – Kimberlè Crenshaw
Intersectionality of Violence Against Women
Intersectionality is key to understanding how violence against women affects them differently. Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar, introduced this idea. She shows how race, gender, class, and immigration status combine to make life harder for women who are marginalized.
Crenshaw’s Critiques on Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics
Crenshaw pointed out that feminist and antiracist movements didn’t help women of color enough. She said these groups ignored the special problems faced by women with more than one identity. To really help survivors, we need to look at how different kinds of violence and discrimination overlap.
Studies show that groups fighting for intersectionality of marginalized women facing violence work best when they are led by those communities. They focus on their own needs and are fully committed to helping their people (Thiara & Roy, 2010).
“Vulnerability is described as a condition created by circumstances, rather than an inherent attribute of a person or group.”
The UN Women’s Handbook from 2012 talks about how violence against women is shaped by many things. This includes race, religion, sexual orientation, and immigration status.
To stop violence, we should work on building respectful relationships, promoting gender equality, and fighting discrimination. This helps meet the unique needs of marginalized women (UN Women, 2012).
Intersectionality in Activism and Social Justice
Intersectionality is key in today’s activism and social justice. It shows how different kinds of oppression connect. This view helps us see the big picture of what marginalized groups face. Groups that use intersectionality can tackle deep-rooted unfairness better.
Intersectionality shines a light on how different kinds of oppression affect groups. It doesn’t just look at one issue at a time. Instead, it works to break down racism, sexism, homophobia, and more. This way, solutions can help a wide range of communities.
Recently, intersectional activism has made a big impact. Groups have come together to fight for rights in areas like work, homes, immigration, and LGBTQIA+ issues. They’re showing how gender, race, and immigration status all play a part in the fight for rights.
Leaders like Angela Davis and Marsha P. Johnson have always seen the connections between different kinds of violence and injustice. They’ve inspired many, including Julian Gavino, Valdecir Nascimento, and Leah Thomas. These activists keep pushing for change and giving voice to those who are often ignored.
Using intersectionality, activists can tackle complex problems better. This approach means more people get included and heard. It helps everyone work together towards a fairer world.
| Activist | Focus | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Angela Davis | Interconnections between gender violence, racist violence, structural violence, capitalism, racism, colonialism, and post-colonialities | Influential in shaping intersectional activism and inspiring a new generation of activists |
| Marsha P. Johnson | LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice | Pivotal figure in the Stonewall Riots and the fight for LGBTQIA+ and Black lives |
| Julian Gavino | Advocating for greater representation and inclusion of the trans disabled community in the fashion industry | Using his platform to raise awareness about intersectional discrimination |
| Valdecir Nascimento | Gender and racial equality, combating exploitation of young Black domestic workers in Brazil | Working at the intersection of gender and racial equality to improve the lives of marginalized communities |
| Leah Thomas | Intersectional environmentalism, highlighting how communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate change | Raising awareness about the need to dismantle oppressive systems within the environmental movement |
Intersection of Race and Gender-Based Violence
Race and gender-based violence deeply affects survivors of color. Racism and barriers make it hard for them to get legal help and support. Many don’t trust the police and find it hard to report crimes, which keeps violence going.
Obstacles for Survivors of Color
Women, girls, and gender minorities from different racial and ethnic groups face a lot of violence. They deal with racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia, making their trauma worse. Things like immigration status, religious beliefs, and money problems add to their challenges in getting help and justice.
Adopting an Intersectional Racial Justice Approach
- Recognize that individuals facing multiple forms of discrimination, such as racism and sexism, are the most vulnerable to gender-based violence and the least likely to access services.
- Consult with and involve diverse communities, including survivors of color, in the design and implementation of anti-violence programs to ensure their unique needs are addressed.
- Address systemic racism and other forms of oppression that create barriers to reporting and accessing support for survivors of color.
- Provide culturally-responsive and trauma-informed services that acknowledge the intersectional experiences of survivors.
- Advocate for policy changes that challenge the root causes of racial and gender-based inequities.
By using an intersectional racial justice approach, we can fight against the barriers that make gender-based violence worse for communities of color.
Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Immigration
The issue of gender-based violence and immigration is very serious. An individual’s immigration status can make them more vulnerable to gender-based violence. Immigrant survivors often stay in bad situations because they don’t trust the police and fear being deported.
Abusers use their power to keep immigrants trapped. They might not let their spouse apply for legal status. This way, they keep control over them.
Vulnerabilities of Immigrant Survivors
Immigrant survivors have special challenges. In the Caribbean and Central America, most migrants are women. Around the world, one in three women will face abuse at some point. In some places, like El Salvador and Guatemala, few GBV cases lead to convictions.
Violence Against Women Act and Immigrant Survivors
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) helps immigrant survivors, but it could do more. Ensuring access to justice for migrants reduces vulnerabilities and changes the culture of impunity. Policymakers need to create programs that teach about gender-based violence and its impact on immigrants.
“Gender norms and unequal power relationships are the root causes of GBV against women, girls, men, boys, and those of diverse gender identities.”
Countries must protect the rights of all migrants, no matter their gender. The Global Compact on Migration (GCM) says so. We need better policies to keep migrant worker women and trans women safe from violence.
Intersection of Race and Immigration
The mix of race and immigration deeply affects Black migrants. Those from Haiti and West Africa see the worst of U.S. asylum policies and anti-Black bias at the border.
Experiences of Black Migrants
Black migrants often face harassment, physical and sexual assault, and are asked for sex work while waiting for asylum. They struggle to get legal and social help because of language issues and the CBP One App’s facial recognition not working well for them.
Barriers to Accessing Resources
- Language barriers make it hard to get resources and services.
- The CBP One App’s facial recognition doesn’t work right for Black migrants, making things harder.
- Racism and discrimination make it tough for Black migrants to get through the asylum process and find support.
| Barrier | Impact |
|---|---|
| Language Barriers | Limit access to legal resources, social services, and communication with authorities. |
| Facial Recognition Technology | Fails to accurately identify Black migrants, creating additional hurdles in the asylum process. |
| Structural Racism | Perpetuates discrimination and hinders Black migrants’ ability to navigate the asylum system. |
Black migrants face big challenges because of the mix of race and immigration. They have unique problems getting to important resources and support. We need a full, intersectional look at immigration policy and services to fix these issues.
Intersection of LGBTQIA+ Identity, Immigration, and Race
LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those of color, face a higher risk of violence and being left out. This is because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, and race. [http://www.lgbtiqintersect.org.au/learning-modules/intersectionality/]
LGBTQIA+ migrants often face violence and abuse at the border and in detention centers. This is because of their sexual orientation and how they express their gender. Transgender migrants are very likely to be physically or sexually assaulted, harassed, and forced into sex work while they wait for asylum in the U.S.
Risks Faced by LGBTQIA+ Individuals
People of color in the LGBTQIA+ community face more discrimination because of racism, homophobia, and transphobia. This leads to more violence, less access to resources, and problems in healthcare and jobs. Transgender and gender non-conforming people in the LGBTQIA+ community have special challenges.
These include trouble getting healthcare, facing more violence, and being left out in LGBTQIA+ areas.
Challenges for LGBTQIA+ Migrants
LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities face discrimination in many areas of life. This includes jobs, homes, healthcare, and LGBTQIA+ events. We need to make sure everyone has the same chances. Being poor also affects LGBTQIA+ individuals a lot. It means they can’t get to resources, healthcare, or legal help as much, especially in marginalized communities.
“Working together between LGBTQIA+ and other social justice groups helps us understand and fight against discrimination. We see how different kinds of oppression connect.”
Being an activist is key to making things better. It brings attention to social problems, fights against unfair systems, makes sure marginalized voices are heard, and creates places that are fair for everyone. It encourages people to act together and makes those in power listen.
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) works to make the LGBTQIA+ community more united. They do this through music, working with different artists and groups, fighting for social justice, and educating people. They make sure voices that are not heard enough are heard, and they bring people together from around the world. This celebrates the diversity and intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Importance of Intersectionality in Tahirih’s Work
At the Tahirih Justice Center, they focus on helping those most in need. This includes immigrant women, girls, and survivors of gender-based violence. They use a unique approach that looks at the many layers of their clients’ lives. This way, they can tackle the complex issues these individuals face.
Tahirih knows that immigrant survivors have it tough when they try to find safety and justice. They use intersectionality to understand how things like gender, race, and immigration status affect their lives. This helps them provide better support.
- Tahirih got a $20,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to help more immigrant survivors of gender-based violence in Fort Bend County, Texas.
- In 2022, 28% of Tahirih’s clients were mothers. This shows how the group focuses on the special needs of immigrant women.
- Tahirih is working on creating a strong, understanding workplace. This is especially true in May, Mental Health Awareness Month, to support its staff. They work closely with marginalized communities.
By focusing on intersectionality, the Tahirih Justice Center gives specific and full support to those who need it most. This way, immigrant survivors can get the help and support they need. They can work towards safety, justice, and freedom from gender-based violence.
“Tahirih’s interdisciplinary approach is underscored by the intersection of their clients’ diverse lived experiences.”
intersectionality of violence
Intersectionality helps us see how violence affects different groups in complex ways. It shows how inequality and oppression combine to make violence worse for some communities. This way, we can tackle the deep causes of violence and find better ways to stop it and heal.
Looking at violence through an intersectional lens helps us help everyone affected. Gender-based violence (GBV) hurts the mental health of women and girls. It’s linked to their gender and the kind of violence they face. Men’s violence is also influenced by their gender, race, class, and more.
Violence can leave deep scars that affect a person’s life over time. Oppression from different areas of life affects a person’s power, resilience, and health. For those on the margins, gender, race, ability, and other factors combine to make violence worse and harder to escape.
“Embracing an intersectional perspective can lead to a more just and inclusive community where each survivor’s voice is recognized, appreciated, and supported.”
Using intersectionality helps us see the full picture of violence’s impact. It lets us tackle the deep causes of violence and offer solutions that fit the needs of different groups. This is key to ending the cycles of abuse and intergenerational trauma caused by systemic oppression and power dynamics.
To deal with the intersectionality of violence, we must understand the unique struggles of different communities. We need to work towards a fair and welcoming society. This means knowing about the structural violence and systemic oppression that hurt certain groups more. And we must work with those most affected to find solutions.
Organizations Supporting Marginalized Communities
In the United States, many organizations help marginalized communities. They offer important resources and support. These groups tackle the tough challenges faced by people because of their race, gender, immigration status, and LGBTQIA+ identity.
These organizations are key in bringing justice, empowerment, and strength to communities that have faced a lot of oppression and been left behind.
Black Immigrant Rights Organizations
ABISA – African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs fights for Black immigrants’ rights. They give legal help, social services, and support to the community. Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement also works to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ immigrants of color.
Gender-Based Violence Organizations
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a key place for help for those facing gender-based violence. They offer 24/7 support, help in crisis situations, and connect people to local services. Groups like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are also vital. They address violence, identity, and being marginalized.
LGBTQIA+ Community Organizations
LGBTQIA+ groups like The Center, the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, and the Ali Forney Center provide many services. These include legal help, healthcare, housing, and community programs. They work hard to support and empower LGBTQIA+ people. This is especially true for those facing extra challenges because of their race, immigration status, or other identities.
These organizations are key in the fight for social justice. They work by offering support that understands the culture, addressing trauma, pushing for policy changes, and making sure marginalized communities are heard.
Resources and References
We’ve looked at the key idea of intersectionality and its big effects on fighting gender-based violence in this article. We’ve put together a list of useful resources for readers to check out.
The article “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color” by Kimberlè Crenshaw is a must-read. It was published in the Stanford Law Review in 1991. It talks about how women of color face violence because of racism and sexism.
The Tahirih Justice Center has many resources like reports and toolkits. They give deep insights into how and affect . These resources help advocates and experts tackle these big issues.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has 17 goals and 169 targets. Many of these goals deal with and . The COVID-19 pandemic has made things worse for those facing discrimination, showing we need to focus on intersectionality more.
The Resource Guide and Toolkit on Gender-Responsive CRPD Implementation is a great tool for groups and experts. It was made with help from UN Women, UNPRPD, and civil society groups. This guide helps people understand how policies affect marginalized people.
Looking into these and can help readers understand better. It shows how and challenges affect . This knowledge helps with better advocacy, policy making, and support services.
Conclusion
This article looked into the complex nature of intersectionality and its role in fighting violence against marginalized groups. By using an intersectional view, we can find the deep causes of violence. We can also see the special challenges faced by different people and groups.
It’s key to see how racism, sexism, and ableism connect to understand violence against marginalized communities. An intersectional approach helps us see the many identities and experiences of survivors. This leads to a better way to help them.
An intersectional approach is vital for a fair and equal society. Everyone should be safe from violence and oppression. By listening to marginalized communities and pushing for policies that fix systemic issues, we aim for a future where intersectionality is real.
FAQ
What is intersectionality?
How does intersectionality relate to violence against women?
How has intersectionality been applied in activism and social justice movements?
How does the intersection of race and gender-based violence impact survivors of color?
How does an individual’s immigration status affect their vulnerability to gender-based violence?
How do the intersections of race and immigration impact the experiences of Black migrants?
How do LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly people of color, experience violence and marginalization at the intersection of their identities?
How does Tahirih Justice Center’s approach incorporate an intersectional lens?
Source Links
- Violence and intersectionality – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_and_intersectionality
- Understanding Intersectionality: Overlapping Identities and Obstacles – Tahirih Justice Center – https://www.tahirih.org/news/understanding-intersectionality-overlapping-identities-and-obstacles/
- Intersectionality and domestic violence – Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support – https://www.genesisshelter.org/intersectionality-and-domestic-violence/
- The Center for Relationship Abuse Awareness & Action – https://stoprelationshipabuse.org/action/intersectionality-violence-against-women-of-color/
- Intersectionality and family violence – https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-family-violence-data-collection-framework/intersectionality-and-family-violence
- Intersectionality and violence against women – policy position statement – https://wesnet.org.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/Intersectionality-and-violence-against-women-policy-position-statement.pdf
- Intersectionality at the heart of working on violence against women and girls – European Network Against Racism – https://www.enar-eu.org/intersectionality-at-the-heart-of-working-on-violence-against-women-and-girls/
- Violence Against Women and the Importance of Addressing it Through an Intersectional Lens – Race and Equality – https://raceandequality.org/resources/violence-against-women-intersectionality/
- Understanding Intersectionality to Promote Social Justice in Educational Leadership: Review of JCEL Cases – https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=intersections
- Intersectionality and the Past, Present, and Future of Activism in Our Neighborhoods – Village Preservation – https://www.villagepreservation.org/2022/06/28/intersectionality-and-the-past-present-and-future-of-activism-in-our-neighborhoods/
- 9 Activists Bringing Intersectionality to the Fight Against Oppression – https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/activists-intersectionality-equity-justice-social/
- PDF – https://www.hi.org/sn_uploads/Briefing-Paper-Intersectionality-in-GBV-programming.pdf
- Intersectionality and Multiple Discrimination – Gender Matters – www.coe.int – https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/intersectionality-and-multiple-discrimination
- What makes migrants vulnerable to gender-based violence? – https://rosanjose.iom.int/en/blogs/what-makes-migrants-vulnerable-gender-based-violence
- examining the status quo for policy and practice implications – https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/society-societe/community-communite/ifca-iac/evidence_briefs-donnees_probantes/gbv-vfg/chowdhury-eng.aspx
- Centering Race and Structural Racism in Immigration Policy Research: Considerations and Lessons from the Field – https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/105202/centering-race-and-structural-racism-in-immigration-policy-research.pdf
- Intersectionality: Empowering The LGBTQ+ Community | SFGMC – https://www.sfgmc.org/blog/intersectionality
- The Substance and Circumstances of Race and Immigration Talk in High School Gender & Sexuality Alliances – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8566315/
- Intersectionality and Crisis Intervention – https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/intersectionality-and-crisis-intervention
- Houston News – Tahirih Justice Center – https://www.tahirih.org/locations/houston/houston-news/page/4/
- Patriarchy’s Link to Intimate Partner Violence: Applications to Survivors’ Asylum Claims – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10387730/
- Decolonizing Gender-Based Violence Advocacy: The Development of an Undocumented Survivor Resource Training – https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1083&context=sprinkle
- Issue 15: Intersectionality – https://gbvlearningnetwork.ca/our-work/issuebased_newsletters/issue-15/index.html
- An intersectional approach to understanding family violence – BroadAgenda – https://www.broadagenda.com.au/2019/why-we-need-an-intersectional-approach-to-family-violence/
- The Intersectionality of Sexual Assault | Peace At Home Family Shelter – https://peaceathomeshelter.org/blog/the-intersectionality-of-sexual-assault/
- 11 LGBTQ+ Organizations You Can Support – Tenement Museum – https://www.tenement.org/blog/11-lgbtq-organizations-you-can-support/
- 10 Social Justice Organizations Fighting for Equality – https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/social-justice-organizations/
- Inclusion – CEPPS – https://cepps.org/what-we-do/inclusion/
- Microsoft Word – Intersectionality Resource Guide and Toolkit -Large Print.docx – https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/Intersectionality-resource-guide-and-toolkit-large-print-en.pdf
- Intersectional differences in serious violent victimization trajectories across the life course – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8874332/
- Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color – https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/critique1313/files/2020/02/1229039.pdf
- Inclusion and Exclusion: Intersectionality and Gender-Based Violence – https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-319-89999-2_49
- Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color – https://blackwomenintheblackfreedomstruggle.voices.wooster.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/210/2019/02/Crenshaw_mapping-the-margins1991.pdf
- Intersectionality 101: what is it and why is it important? – https://www.womankind.org.uk/intersectionality-101-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important/