Why has DVIS chosen to take a stand on an issue such as racism in the U.S.? Our employees and clients of Color experience systemic oppression every day and we do not believe it is right for them to be met with violence because of the color of their skin. Secondly, this issue is directly linked to the work we do every day. Racism and domestic violence are intricately linked. Studies have shown that People of Color are disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual violence. In fact, according to the 2012 National Intimate Partner Violence Survey, 45% of Black women experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner. We cannot effectively serve our community if we choose to ignore the other forms of violence experienced on a daily basis.
DVIS Statement:
Black Lives Matter.
We join millions of people who are expressing outrage over the continued systemic oppression experienced by People of Color and other marginalized communities in our country. Generations of Black, Brown and Indigenous peoples have had to live with the devastating daily reality of White privilege, racial injustice and violence, including police brutality.
As an agency that seeks to rebuild lives affected by domestic and sexual violence, we cannot ignore the other forms of violence survivors experience in their daily lives. It is our duty to address and advocate for fundamental change to eradicate racism and other forms of oppression faced by survivors within our community and even our organization.
We cannot hide or minimize the fact that one of the worst acts of racial violence this country has ever seen, the Tulsa Race Massacre, happened in our city in 1921. We cannot stay silent and let history repeats itself by allowing the Black community to be dehumanized, harassed and murdered.
The change we seek is egregiously overdue. We stand in solidarity with the Black community in demanding that we do better. Better for our families, friends, neighbors and the community we love.
We see you. We believe you. And we stand with you.
In solidarity,
Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS)