The Need For Change
The victims of violence go beyond the fallen child. Studies show that 26% of parents die within the first 10 years after experiencing the trauma of losing a child and that 92% of those parents' marriages fail.
The emotional impact of the loss of a child includes a wide range of psychological problems, including
- depression and anxiety
- cognitive and physical symptoms associated with stress
- marital problems
- increased risk for suicide
- physical pain
- guilt
One of the major issues that Voices of Black Mothers United addresses is the public insensitivity and lack of information about the number of young blacks who are victims of violence every day.
Many mothers who are working through the trauma of their loss are now empowering others to tell their stories.
Some may consider homicides of Black children and violence in our communities to be intractable and think that the best they can do is to convey their sympathy. However, sympathy is no substitute for support. Voices of Black Mothers United partners with Black mothers to offer support and resources to create hope and strengthen our neighborhoods.
26% of parents die within the first 10 years after experiencing the trauma of losing a child.
92% of marriages fail within the first 10 years after experiencing the trauma of losing a child.
Key Focus Areas and Initiatives
Voices of Black Mothers United pursues initiatives in three primary areas: advocacy, family and community intervention, and promoting positive policing (PPP).
Advocacy:
Voices of Black Mothers United has organized national advocacy groups consisting of Voices of Black Mothers United members and trained leaders.
Advocacy initiatives will be developed to help the surviving family members of victims of violence to cope and heal. Elements will include:
- A first-responders’ team
- Media/communications training
- Financial assistance
- Assistance accessing state victim compensations resources
- Mental health
- Legal guidance
We recruit community volunteers from faith-based organizations, businesses, and social services
Family and Community Intervention:
Voices of Black Mothers United will promote individual responsibility and the understanding that “A safe neighborhood starts with YOU taking action.”
Voices of Black Mothers United will work with community leaders and law-enforcement to identify neighborhood risk factors that could contribute to a violent environment.
We will actively encourage shared problem-solving efforts within neighborhoods and communities, and law enforcement including crime tip lines, neighborhood watch programs and online crime awareness measures. In addition, Voices of Black Mothers United will develop community events to facilitate dialogue between communities and law enforcement to encourage positive relationships and communication.
Promoting Positive Policing (PPP):
Having witnessed surges in crime and violence in the absence of law-enforcement, members of Voices of Black Mothers United strongly oppose efforts to defund the police, while working to counter discriminatory policing and excessive and irresponsible law enforcement tactics.
We will introduce solution-based initiatives that encourage law enforcement and communities to come together to enforce accountability for all.
In the future, we plan to create a Community-Police Task Force in Voices of Black Mothers United member states and cities. This task force will make recommendations for measures to ensure responsible policing such as mental-health checks and resources for police, sensitivity training, and diligent follow-up on 119 complaints.
After successful pilot programs, Voices of Black Mothers United plans to introduce a National 119 Hotline for community members to anonymously report verifiable bad and good in their neighborhoods.
Help fuel the movement to heal and transform our community.
Your contributions help empower family members of victims of violence and provide them with resources to cope and heal.