Statement on Domestic Violence
 

Recently, much attention has been focused on the issue of domestic violence. We’ve all been reminded that the threat of violence is a certainty for countless men and women, everyday. While loving relationships can quickly succumb to this darker reality, it stands to note that under no circumstance is it acceptable for a man to physically or psychologically attempt to dominate a woman, whether she is a girlfriend, wife, or ex.

Within the black community, we are losing the war on domestic violence, and losing it dismally. Each year, domestic violence fractures countless black families and claims too many black lives. According to the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community, African-American women are victims of domestic violence 35 percent more than whites. What is even more alarming, homicide prefaced by domestic violence is the leading cause of death for African-American women ages 15 to 45. More often than not, it is an African-American man who perpetrates this abuse.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has always been an advocate of women’s rights because women’s rights are civil rights. Now more than ever, we stand ready to support and protect women. The men of Alpha pledge to continue working to eradicate the plague of domestic violence in both African-American neighborhoods and the broader community at large.

For more than 100 years we have been in the forefront of the fight for human rights and justice. In 2009, we are just as committed to this goal and America ’s women can count on us.

While we champion the safety of our women , we also extend an arm of protection to their—and our—young boys. This year Alpha Phi Alpha begins a new initiative , From the Highchair to Higher Education which is designed to put a focus on boys at the earliest age possible so that they make it to—and graduate from high school and college. Part of that focus will be serving as individual examples of men who show boys how to treat women with respect.

Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr

It will be nice to see the outcomes of this program. Congrats on taking this proactive stance.

Great post. I'm looking forward to hear more about this program. I always had concern for DV issues, but I never truly understood the need for program and services until the issue "hit" home for me.

Domestic Violence has permanently changed my family. Though as Professor stated, "Each year, domestic violence fractures countless black families and claims too many black lives.", it seems that the issue is not given the weight it deserves. As a victim of domestic violence, I am astounded by the responses I get from other black women, the most common of which is : what did you do to him to make him hit you?

Seriously?!!?! Professional, intelligent women respond this way! To compound the issue, one must navigate the court system and custody system while dealing with all of the emotions of being battered by a spouse and the break up of a family. Admittedly, I was extremely difficult for me to hold everything together (raising my children school, and work) while attempting to ensure that my children and I would not have to deal with someone who may impulsively hurt us without provocation.

I really want to plan a discussion in my area of the issues and emotions that DV victims deal with in an effort to improve or streamline the reporting process. The victim's advocate office was OK but seriously lacking...

...Thank God for blessing me with the strentgth to deal with it and the skills to improve the system for future victims...