<p>Black women in Canada are disproportionately affected by domestic violence (DV), yet research and policy have largely overlooked whether existing services meet their specific needs. This study explores the availability and visibility of DV-related services that center Black women and communities. Guided by Critical Race Theory, this study used an environmental scan methodology to identify DV services designed for Black Canadian women. Publicly accessible sources, including websites, directories, and organizational reports, were reviewed using specific inclusion criteria to locate services related to counselling, shelter, and prevention across Canada. Seventeen organizations offering 20 DV-related programs were identified. Most were concentrated in Ontario, with limited availability in western, northern, and rural regions. Some programs explicitly served Black women, while others were focused on broader Black communities. Many lacked publicly accessible information, reducing their visibility and potentially compounding access barriers. Programs that were one-time, inactive, or research-only were excluded. Findings reveal critical gaps in geographic coverage, service continuity, and public visibility of DV services for Black women in Canada. The concentration of services in metropolitan areas and limited online presence create further access inequities. These findings highlight the urgent need for systemic, Black-led, and anti-racist responses to DV that are tailored to the lived realities of Black women. This study provides a foundation for future policy development, equity-oriented funding, and community-driven service design.</p>

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Assessing the Availability of Domestic Violence Services for Black Canadian Women and Communities: An Environmental Scan

  • Patrina Duhaney,
  • Naomi Phung,
  • Kate Beamer,
  • Mariam Hammoud

摘要

Black women in Canada are disproportionately affected by domestic violence (DV), yet research and policy have largely overlooked whether existing services meet their specific needs. This study explores the availability and visibility of DV-related services that center Black women and communities. Guided by Critical Race Theory, this study used an environmental scan methodology to identify DV services designed for Black Canadian women. Publicly accessible sources, including websites, directories, and organizational reports, were reviewed using specific inclusion criteria to locate services related to counselling, shelter, and prevention across Canada. Seventeen organizations offering 20 DV-related programs were identified. Most were concentrated in Ontario, with limited availability in western, northern, and rural regions. Some programs explicitly served Black women, while others were focused on broader Black communities. Many lacked publicly accessible information, reducing their visibility and potentially compounding access barriers. Programs that were one-time, inactive, or research-only were excluded. Findings reveal critical gaps in geographic coverage, service continuity, and public visibility of DV services for Black women in Canada. The concentration of services in metropolitan areas and limited online presence create further access inequities. These findings highlight the urgent need for systemic, Black-led, and anti-racist responses to DV that are tailored to the lived realities of Black women. This study provides a foundation for future policy development, equity-oriented funding, and community-driven service design.