Breaking the Cycle of Trauma: Community Conversations on Police Violence and Black Women’s Mental Health

A mental health organization has recently launched a series of discussions to explore the impact of police violence on Black mental health, with a particular focus on the experiences of Black women. These women were given a safe space to share their encounters with law enforcement.

The conversation series is being led by Jewel Woods, the 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 objective 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, fostering positive change for future generations.