Breaking the Cycle: How a Mental Health Initiative is Addressing Police Violence and its Impact on Black Women’s Mental Health

In an effort to address the impact of police violence on Black mental health, a mental health organization has initiated a series of discussions focused on the experiences of Black women. Led by Jewel Woods, founder of Male Behavioral Health, these conversations aim to provide a safe space for women to share their encounters with law enforcement.

The objective of this community-led initiative is to raise awareness and foster better understanding of how police violence can exacerbate mental health concerns and contribute to generational trauma within marginalized communities. Woods emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the unique intersections of race and gender, especially in the context of Black women’s experiences with police violence.

Woods sees these conversations as an opportunity to address issues such as Black suicidality and the challenges of Black parenting that stem from police violence. By hosting these events and gathering data, Woods hopes to help combat generational trauma within the Black community and foster positive change for future generations.