Race, Culture, and Gender

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Ava Kanyeredzi

   Pages 1-46

3. Silenced Through Fear, Threats, and Betrayal: A Continuum of Oppression

   • Ava Kanyeredzi

   Pages 47-88

4. Silenced, Shamed, Speaking Out and the Strong Black Woman

   • Ava Kanyeredzi

   Pages 89-114

5. Silenced and Out of Place: Feeling Like a Nugatory Self

   • Ava Kanyeredzi

   Pages 115-144

6. Feeling Through the Silences, Seeking Support, and Being ‘Saved’

   • Ava Kanyeredzi

   Pages 145-178

7. Learning to Hear the Silences

   • Ava Kanyeredzi

   Pages 179-194

8. Back Matter

   Pages 195-227

   PDF

This book presents an in-depth account of nine Black British women’s experiences of violence and abuse. Through in depth interviews and analysis the author reveals their feelings of being silenced as children, women, Black women and as victims/survivors. Being silenced or staying silent about experiences of violence and abuse are key influences in how and when women access help and support and Kanyeredzi illuminates missed opportunities in how and when this help and support can and should be given. 
Based on women’s descriptions of how they felt supported, listened to, yet ‘unheard’, chapters explore what professionals might face in the process of supporting Black women who access these services. The book contributes valuable understanding to the growing literature discussing challenges faced by minoritised women attempting to live full lives in the UK. It also includes images created as part of the project. This book is a useful resource for victims/survivors, students,researchers, clinical psychologists, counsellors, health professionals, social workers, educators and specialised violence support organisations.  

• violence against women and children
• Black Women in the UK
• Race and Racism in Britain
• Gender Politics in Britain
• Minoritisation of women
• inter-generational trauma
• migration and displacement in Britain
• the strong Black woman
• body image and abuse
• abuse and violence against black women in britain
• shadow work
• racial betrayal
• gender and race studies
• sexual behaviour

“There is limited research and scholarship on violence and abuse amongst African-Caribbean women in the UK and this book makes a valuable contribution. This book is an invaluable resource for professionals, practitioners and policy makers working with African-Caribbean women who are victims/survivors of abuse. It explores the silences surrounding violence and abuse among African-Caribbean women in the UK and renders their voices and experiences visible.” (Dr Jenny Douglas, The Open University)

• School of Psychology, University of East London, London, United Kingdom

  Ava Kanyeredzi

Ava Kanyeredzi is a lecturer in Clinical and Community and Forensic Psychology at the University of East London, UK.

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