ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to provide a brief overview of Intimate partner violence (IPV) among African Americans. It defines historical trauma and structural violence. The chapter describes an ecological model that recognizes how historical trauma and structural inequalities contribute to individual, relationship, community, and societal risk factors to elevate relationship violence among African Americans. It offers suggestions for a more comprehensive ecological model. Annual household income had the greatest relative influence on the probability of partner violence, with lower incomes being associated with higher rates of IPV. Childhood victimization in the form of observing violence between parents/caregivers or experiencing childhood physical abuse was associated with subsequent partner violence. Exposure to community violence in any has been associated with higher rates of intimate partner abuse. Based on literature reviews, there is a general consensus that neighborhood factors influence violence that occurs between partners. African American women also reported severe partner violence, in the form of nonfatal strangulation.
