Organizations collaborate to break the silence on domestic violence’s impact on vulnerable communities
Press release from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Peaceful Paths
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Domestic violence disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
“Women between the ages of 18 to 24 experience the greatest risk of intimate partner violence, followed by girls between the ages of 11 to 17,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). More specifically, marginalized communities, including Black women (who are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by a man than white women – CDC, 2017); Indigenous women (84% of whom experience violence – National Institute of Justice, 2016); Latina women (1 in 3 experiencing domestic violence – CDC, 2021); LGBTQ+ individuals (54% of transgender people facing intimate partner violence – The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 2017); and immigrant women face disproportionately higher rates of abuse, which are oftentimes compounded by cultural, language, and systemic barriers.
To address the pressing and pervasive issue of domestic violence, culturally sensitive and community-specific resources are essential. Collaborative efforts, such as the partnership between Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s Delta Sigma Zeta Chapter and Peaceful Paths, demonstrate the impact of community-focused approaches in supporting diverse needs and fostering effective intervention and prevention. Together, they are raising awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and offering solutions to prevent future instances.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, is a historically Black sorority founded in 1920 at Howard University to promote scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. With over 125,000 members worldwide, the sorority expands its influence through undergraduate and alumni chapters and supports initiatives in S.H.E. (Social, Health, and Economic) justice, impacting communities through programs like “Z-HOPE” and partnerships with organizations, such as the Peaceful Paths.
Established to empower individuals affected by domestic violence, Peaceful Paths offers services ranging from emergency shelter and crisis counseling to legal advocacy and support groups. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Peaceful Paths positively impacting the local communities of Alachua, Bradford, and Union counties, serving thousands of survivors and raising awareness of domestic violence and the nuanced dynamics of power and control.
Education and early intervention are crucial in preventing domestic violence, not only for victims but for the community as a whole. Zeta Phi Beta’s partnership with Peaceful Paths is focused on violence prevention through workshops and educational forums. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and to seek help when necessary.
One notable event is the upcoming Teen Dating Violence Prevention Summit, titled “What’s Love Got to Do with It: Orange You Empowered,” scheduled for February 8, 2025. This summit will provide vital information and resources for youth and their families. Those interested can sign up to learn more at gainesvillezetas1951.com/contact-2/.
Additional initiatives include executing a social media campaign throughout October aimed at raising community awareness about domestic violence, as well as supporting Peaceful Paths’ Holiday Giving program that aids domestic violence survivors and their families during the holiday season. To support Peaceful Paths families, visit peacefulpaths.org/holidaygiving.
Through these collaborative efforts and a commitment to education, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Peaceful Paths are working towards a future where domestic violence is no longer tolerated and every individual has the support they need to live free from fear.