A mental health organization recently launched a series of discussions focused on the impact of police violence on Black mental health, particularly targeting the experiences of Black women. These women were provided with a safe space to share their encounters with law enforcement.
The conversation series is being led by Jewel Woods, founder of Male Behavioral Health, who believes that there is a lack of understanding regarding how police violence affects marginalized groups and contributes to institutional betrayal trauma. This community-led initiative will take place in various cities throughout the state, with the goal of raising awareness and fostering better comprehension of how police violence can exacerbate mental health concerns and contribute to generational trauma within marginalized communities.
Woods emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the unique intersections of race and gender, especially in the context of Black women’s experiences with police violence. He sees these conversations as an opportunity to address issues such as Black suicidality and the challenges of Black parenting that stem from police violence. By hosting these events and gathering data, Woods hopes to help combat generational trauma within the Black community and foster positive change for future generations.
The series aims to provide a platform for Black women to share their experiences with law enforcement in a safe space where they are heard and validated. It also seeks to raise awareness about how police violence impacts not only individuals but also communities as a whole. Through this initiative, Woods hopes to create lasting change by promoting better understanding and addressing systemic issues that contribute to institutional betrayal trauma.
Overall, this community-led initiative is an important step towards fostering better mental health outcomes for marginalized communities affected by police violence. It highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of how institutional betrayal trauma can be perpetuated through systemic racism and discrimination. By providing a platform for dialogue and action, this series has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing stigma around mental health concerns in marginalized communities.
