HERSANA is running an intersectional study on gender-based violence - Power In Print.
Power in Print, by-and-for Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Mixed Heritage women, non-binary people and those of marginalised genders who feel safe in feminine-led spaces. In a single study we are looking into how Black Femmes experience gender-based violence in the UK alongside racism. We are focused on this study being a true and honest reflection of the national voice to bring about real change across the UK.
Why this is important:
In the last six years, public sentiments have moved from supporting ‘Black Lives Matter’, to a rise in far right and white supremacy rhetoric and violence across UK streets. Bad faith actors have also highjacked women’s rights and gender-based violence (‘GBV’) movements via “Protect Our Women” statements in their scapegoating. Black femmes (referring to Black women, girls, trans-communities, non-binary and gender-diverse people who feel same in feminine-led spaces) have always needed protection. Black femmes are more likely to experience violence and abuse from partners, family members and within institutions that are allegedly set up to keep people “safe”. The Black femme experience is to be hyper-visible in dangerous media narratives, exposed and vulnerable to violence and disproportionately policed, while invisible in adequate support provision, culturally competent services and trauma-informed practise.
Still, the Black femme experience is hardly present in academic or community-led research. Research on Black femmes and services is often combined with other global majority women under ‘BAME/BME’ umbrellas for analysis. Black femmes have disproportionately poorer outcomes that are not being addressed by the current state of research and are widely excluded from action plans towards improvement of GBV support services. We want accountability across feminist spaces and the GBV sector! No more claiming ignorance. If Black femmes are not safe, no one is safe, and no one is safe until we are all safe. This research into Black femmes’ experiences of GBV is a call to action: No more Excuses.
Complete the survey here
The aim of this study is to understand the experiences of Black femmes in GBV support services. We intend to collect data through online surveys and semi-structured interviews to analyse the lived experience of Black femmes' survivors of GBV in relation to various demographic characteristics. We acknowledge that Black femmes’ lives are not monolithic, so our goal is to capture as many experiences as possible to design support that accounts for our diversity.
Who can take part in the survey?
This national survey is for:
People of Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean, Black mixed-heritage decent who are women aged 18+, non-binary people, trans or gender diverse people who feel safe in feminine led spaces. You must be from the UK, or UK-based.
The national survey is not for:
White, Asian or individuals without Afro-Caribbean decent.
Cis-gendered men.
Anyone under the age of 18 at date of survey completion.
Anyone residing outside of the UK.
However we would truly appreciate allies to share and forward this on to all Black femmes in all spheres of life.
Where do I have to live?
We encourage all Black femmes who live, study or work in the UK to take part.
How old do I have to be to take part in the survey?
You have to be aged 18 or over at the date of survey completion.
Will my responses be anonymous?
Yes - they will be anonymous. However, data from this research will be analysed and formulated into a report collating exploring Black Femmes’ experiences of GBV across the UK. Our report will be a call to action for ring-fenced funding, policy changes and accountability from those in position of power.
Findings and interview excerpts may also be used by HERSANA in the future to produce other research-related outputs.
Where will my information be held?
HERSANA acknowledges the courage and confidence it takes to make any disclosure of personal information. This information will be treated with the respect and confidentiality it deserves.
HERSANA CIC is committed to being fully compliant with all applicable data protection legislation and to following good practice in respect of all the personal data it holds, both in electronic form and on paper.
‘Data protection legislation’ includes the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR, as modified or replaced from time to time, and any other related legislation (such as the Privacy & Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulation 2003).
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
All questions regarding this research should be sent to the HERSANA research team at: research@hersana.org