Pennsylvania is known for its beautiful scenery, many cultures, and rich history, yet black women in the state face unsettling realities. According to recent research by the Violence Policy Center, Pennsylvania has the highest percentage of black female homicide victims in the country, which is concerning. This startling figure highlights the widespread violence and prejudice that Black women in the state experience.
The Report: When Men Kill Women
The yearly study, “When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2018 Homicide Data,” looks closely at how race and gender affect the number of women who are killed in the United States. Data from the FBI’s Supplementary Homicide Report is used in the study to look into the age, race, weapon, connection, and situation of each victim and offender.
In 2018, 2,237 women were killed in the U.S., and 517 of them were black. The rate of black women being killed by police was 4.4 per 100,000, which is more than twice the rate of white women being killed by police (1.8 per 100,000). The report makes it clear that 92% of black female victims knew the people who hurt them, and 56% were killed by a current or past partner.
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Unsettling Rankings
With 11.3 black female homicide victims per 100,000 black female population, Pennsylvania led the state rankings. Missouri (10.9), Indiana (10.6), Oklahoma (9.7), and Louisiana (9.5) were next in line. Specific incidents in Pennsylvania, like the 24-year-old woman who was shot by her ex-boyfriend in Philadelphia, highlight recurring themes in female homicide cases, including gun violence, suicide, and domestic abuse.
Racism, Sexism, And Poverty Are The Causes
The analysis identifies racism, sexism, and poverty as significant contributors to Pennsylvania’s regrettable distinction, albeit it doesn’t offer a comprehensive explanation. Black women face violence and discrimination due to racism, which affects their access to justice, housing, work, healthcare, and education. Sexism undermines autonomy and dignity by reinforcing violence and stereotypes. Poverty increases vulnerability by preventing certain people from accessing resources and assistance.
Solutions: Action, Advocacy, and Awareness
The paper advocates for intersectional and comprehensive measures to solve this situation. Suggested actions comprise:
- Enhancing the gathering of data on female homicide victims, especially with regard to racial and ethnic groups.
- Increasing resources and services for black women and bolstering the application of legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act.
- Promoting awareness, dispelling myths, and assisting black women’s activism leadership.
Conclusion
According to a new analysis from the Violence Policy Center, Pennsylvania is dangerous for black women. This worrying trend emphasizes how vital it is to address poverty, sexism, and racism. The suggested remedies seek to create a state and society that upholds the safety, rights, and dignity of black women while reducing violence against them.