---
title: "Race, Gender-based Violence, and Criminalization"
date: 2024-11-22T18:31:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/race-gender-based-violence-and-criminalization"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Race, Gender-based Violence, and Criminalization

This fact sheet by the National Black Women’s Justice Institute discusses gender-based violence and the criminalization of Black women and girls.

Black women survivors of violence face criminalization because of the intersection of sexism and racism. Black mothers are criminalized for not protecting their children from abuse. Black girls are criminalized for the ways that they respond to abuse. Both Black women and girls are criminalized for protecting and defending themselves. Incarceration robs Black women and girls of their bodily autonomy, subjecting them to further sexual harassment and violence while incarcerated.

Organizations such as Survived & Punished and the Survivors Justice Project raise awareness of the criminalization of survivors and fight for decarceration.

> The strategies that Black women and girls take to survive are often criminalized, creating an abuse-to-incarceration pipeline that overwhelmingly targets Black women and girls.

[View the fact sheet ](https://www.nbwji.org/_files/ugd/0c71ee_6c3db14e392949e5bb59c679fb1f46a9.pdf)

SOURCE: National Black Women's Justice Institute • LAST UPDATED: October 24, 2022

![The hands of a Black woman in handcuffs in front of her. She is wearing an orange jumpsuit.](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAVCAIAAACor3u9AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADSElEQVQ4jX2V3Y7dRBCEv6ruHvuck83mZyEJAQWBuOEteH/xGlwggQQRSUSUaS5sn90IRKttWZZdVV3T06OWuMYP8O333L3k9obzyjDxiX7Px9/48DN/wR/wO/wKv8Cf8Bq+htfw6ide/MgXb3j+kid3PH7C5Yb1RJZ5GN4uwcZ65X4goo/8v7j/3p99XBADB/LBdOXzZ7jXZ12lXTU9UAP59/HaoOWZY5ELJQokaNoQ9IV+u+NOmDtBA0IKZDa3P8NXfjje+Cu0PHedHGWnFEKiRdDRfe5+201PupkTRGtXLFLYWJKRH5SS768ET19pvXGtjiGnFZKgRXQHvXYzm50DenPRSMgphSVv/kq7JSLfAwN980o3d1ofuVbFsEsObR500Nm9dLNzQIsekMjIL6xhhxUhheQjhfLdd2+o0s1Fl0daT65FWXYiS8AEN9HUfQXQBYJ9sZ5GlJ3pCDvskHcCKT88vyOs06LTWWNVDkXJufkDbkzH7LrKn4YBCQMnzscRI3aCSDvksC3Jyo83jwgzhtZFY1EVkXIgoUm7241n59Y4U3TACgMteBB5iVwyc0ZkRNszPL1HfjqfsFXJMlRFpiK2jmixoXd7EpNz6900XbCiBa14PJvj3DnI/d/td9mE206vCxaZVFE7etuIRr13vCaenKfedewLoAWv9PKSOnUtZJHVmR1JRkd0hMJZo7CIoJLYaZF2N3TsJoSGzMx9AbTiFS+3MU4xhqsiMzIjw5HOcIQjcq1AIoNwh7HatGj1vG5bMaVWTNMBA4FWtD6N5RLLEjWyKiu3iANdGXlOIxHqEFZLrV377G56qic9RdsddEIjoRUvX3o5xVhiVFTlXkREhjOcoYi8WIhduGl3i6kH0HSrp7qlNuQ+ubTg5cZjdY2oig29wlsFGcpQRl4M2vd9a5s0PeEYOVt2q3vzJ8Eo0Lj1OKmGq6LKteHeu68wEXlWI7X6mvOe5nhWT23tCgkTJarbDd11gOaGu98VAU6rEagfHCVzoqmePZs5NfcZcRQqQaI8OUuZV9BD9ZEyONkINmhtrb8bxlHHtbhtfAIKFKXIDZoIwvjzxED+1zF3X9A2F/YRp97Prq2LfBwyFvp37oj/AEAhR27eyGKwAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)Poulsons Photography/Adobe Stock 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ communities of color & experiences of violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/communities-of-color-experiences-of-violence)
- [criminal legal system](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/criminal-legal-system)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [survivor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/survivor)
- [sexual exploitation](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-exploitation)
- [bodily autonomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bodily-autonomy)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Criminalizing Trauma: On Childhood Sexual Abuse and Incarceration of Girls

Vera Institute’s Initiative to End Girls’ Incarceration explains the link between childhood sexual abuse and incarceration of girls, LGBQ/TGNC youth.

![girls hands in handcuffs](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFC0lEQVRIiVVWXc4buRGsH0rf2s75cpAcIjfMEfK2QIDsrj9Jw67Kw4xshyCIAQRVdXWzi81//uPvKDTy9u25bo/b7fvt/v3j4/v9/vj4OD7uuN/u99uX+/p68zfrq/ib8NHcMt5bx9HHcz6fx5+P5x+fn//5/Ov3zz///fjjX6//Yv+FBQoAKEAg3xvnWaIACABgca33B/HrKv5/EQAWfGMJEFHlyrBg1aiBFGjZKmXLFgUBoizQov0FvUDfwZ0cC+sLCpIoEWHcw72pN3ajRdq6VcuUuf4PFM2bsuwpFyTAgiAgVFi4fUUBASAKjHBnt3tXh2GbxoknIkUIvLJ3QZ9R95KFihBLVICweP+GAgOyAJp20M2OEoRNEk3MmBRBkIRYNUrYoGHDHzQsBQECjMX739BiAAVI0yadJk0QdGZEaoE+VZcSybA5k4aUKBuhYkVI1R16wVj4+MaWUyjAoNNMZjKTNEgGwZ5VGnCrSoJU4VLQpq2u/FSsBH2pXzCW7l9RcAINsNvdHB1kmsy02iOEDl2ocCtDwltE2PZH+IAIG/6AgYXF+1e0TKgBDvTVQXYzycw0UlhQ4iqcakmlVOssQ9sU1VnVM3zBN/qqwRe2mCE3KgSddk+2ZsBEHKYU4cCrbl1qQa0RJm3bCjAqwoQF37CAhaXbB1o64MEQCfb05t6ZQSaDzYQi19CBC50Fd8XyhP8FXYJNLxpcWL599FRQIsVM19GbcpCrs8IOs0nQpgsT5301YJVoCxQBDYo0adGLCxwsrRtaUG2RwTKWa2WBq1wz3cwmK09WadKUBRFCycslQvxEF73ou9Zr2as9W2zVG3YtmDXi0mF2eISNHZGW7HpowQTBliCNk/viWOL6wnktS21RVYrUMy6BQtU4zIQ7PA2DkqvUpQuXJEsCKmXKep+W711YPi2CjAAiBAioZaCUU00xZWrDgQOXPvsOJFAIVE4CyrJpK2thsEwA7fUEFGzYomTB9M0BFtdNxYl+5gQkCoMJ7WvLOkV0Ya2e9zhE0LYBUqQYnJsBUhUSBAo0JciUWF0ZSBj/5LAZG8ZyB206zKAbnXbUCVKECBigFChSPHFl+bwzZAqADSPZtLjMsWLCWCtHW2YzB7Kbrex2MxsdIERJkKSoc1m2bMkCpZYozJgRx5xLgWAsz9FWsydH51AOzdE3GXoRiJQsyfaFb8sm2ZYIovPN2JcIxIC5PE+0mY396jw7r+boHM1Ghh22Is/+sdZJYXtJkt4EQhhxpCWOMeLSmaL9aMvZmKP7mf3UfmpOjkGiQpDfBNZaWktelwKcBJWWOeaIW7QRo9Pl/dmWMziO7kf24+R4i6gA9TSwJa7F9S6BfSkIy4qRlrBNCxZGsLF0fKJlpvvQfmo/tJ+aV+fIbCYiT4MXl2VdIrxkyyBavI2AI5q43EitsLy/n27qfWS/tB8nR+eFGabSRWDaXNctv7pVV4rK6qcPnS5locTSm6DH1lmA/eB+cR+aQUsuVqKFpV87STJFoiio8MwML5/V9TYv7c+TILO1X9pPzlPz7BxJCaqnAonSD/X02XBkS7a0eM1N1wkRJBb3J9sm2gf3wXlpnpyD2QwIU+DZCbCo976aGmyR/oQ+hyaSICtiMU+0nDCbeXEOzsEcSBiS5tnI5xzxBtEJRZLn4AiCZ8jCLzM0sZjdlhnktIeNni1WVHhPmgQAXpH92NcPF9M1UJ/GfE2i+B9MYwYVGphcLAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

Vera Institute’s Initiative to End Girls’ Incarceration explains the link between childhood sexual abuse and incarceration of girls, LGBQ/TGNC youth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/criminalizing-trauma-on-childhood-sexual-abuse-and-incarceration-of-girls)

[ResourcesListen

## Black Women & Intimate Partner Violence

This podcast addresses the complexities of navigating intimate partner violence as a Black woman.

![Jd mason q9r Qin IA5 OU unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This podcast addresses the complexities of navigating intimate partner violence as a Black woman.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-women-intimate-partner-violence)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFx0lEQVRIiV1WTY/kSBF9Eenq7tlZ0IK4gMSB//97OHJCaEewYqenuuzM+HiPg929I1JWqsrleh8R4ciwv3/ZJZGq7qyOzLVyRcy55lprzrVmrlkxO6dqoZYxjWVqEyFIoJzykhdHyYte8pa3bMP/LQGAJF27AAnSiSR9PPP9svfdvvtNEoBNAs5/C7oW33eKJCkSpPTBIbvgDCaD8fyqcz8RdXJtJzIuwe/Av63+uMSGaDrR5YCZmSA7b5jeTZgEETII23faL73sJru7uurc2cUusY1tookOuNnJIZkBsPOOHDARBGgSNp3Wr0iQbHZ3VVdVZWVWRWWwEpXOhtogNwzA7YQ20swgA4GSjDQCDRHbFZZ39O7uPqGjMjKjIipDGdZpKoBucsMwG2anA3cAINGQSyaipRaoTeR70C/tVVWVmRG5ImbE7JiocKaJcJmby4bbsPOjkYCJpgG5aGwjURS5kZRE9onfXafwiBVrxjpiHR3TKjb1MGGYwYePAdvM3E0yOiBspoJcbSxUoVrNjU1JbJ75rMzMzFgRc61jziPnzpjeaSAHgGF2c/kATge4HJDAAF3tXehUlaq37pbUV9W8ByfWWnPNY85HHrtybkw33DYXbuZuGo4rDYDRIMOAXHK2MVGBDGZt7Cb1m/yIfEc/5uPYHznfkPOJPYZRNzjA4docei8kMxMBhwZoanSil3IpcqsqSR9FmZmn/Dn343jsxz2Pu+eUuN1G44XDcLuZeJb8eG8MDjhkamdZJ2opD0VsXUXqAz1jRaw15zH3fX/sj3scryMnjM/9RJNuA/0Mnq/01TMA+FU/BAtM1EIeirlVFsX37EZErDXXOo5j3/f72+M19q+33MdA8ocazucndYF9cUhmZ3ugiXaWUMflIPctM0RlXdGPWGutOY/j2N/2t2+Pr/H2y0vdb7eR+KmfbsxP6hQbJEhzAoar+RBssNCJmqpdcd8qkuJJcOpfax5z7vNx3++/vv0a93/+WF9enj+H/61efugKVqlL7LMBmNlJdqKrCx3qpdyV9y1iScrKiBVrXRlex+PYX/f7z2//+fb65a+FHz8/4vZLxU+d0Z1n+yObdDcTKdb7lepUL/Su+rpFrDNEccVnrrWOOR/z+GW/f73/A7/iX4k/CvnpS8VfuqIrz0bLLprJTORF2ae5UC/1jv73FmtJjMxY15prHmve5/Hzccc34GcUsG9Yv0fmrIyurJNjpAFmLvLi6zwvMcRDzC3WJJmVa81T/lrrWOt1ThwPvF5lfv+G+BMy51nOVVkVNQYANyPZlV3BTjLJFFOaELY1D4qZteIkmHOtI9Z/IrAOfL0I/rtjJbIiK95fmhg+IJq5xLPNdJ3yiyogYdjmPCRm1RWeWDNij3hkIurjBJ9ANKIqsyIzMm55G+Ziu18hqorq6M5mSS1A/uHgJJhzrjUj9iwk0R+NAAAmka2oyorMFbG5Qbq5maTuqlxV0Z1kE5INOLY5d5LVPeNysDIeWWhBT98TLCFo2R2ZK2Mbm5vU5e6S2JUVVVFdvOTfMHybxy4pu1bkXGtFzMzXJmTwF7wYpgDgMw7D4ljVURm5bsMN5DaGO6Rmn5lvZpMC4E8Yf9jW3Cll98w8EzCz3i6CZ3z+M/ILjPiEw38MbdFcmc+xNoepxXEe/eQ5hkR3UaS57Anj8zbn6YCrakVExqwGBQxsz/j0O2AAC8+6+y20BRWVK31zmYo9hpsBejfRLIKCwW+AbWsdkoqM6ohamasbBOAYNzx9Agbwgq3DLTSylVVZCGvThuH0c7ZQi93s8xA2l28G3zImpaKiOqqza5IQYA6/4SbAgQ2j4UwgqezKYlo5htHo13xEoa+JE4LDDK4tc0lIqppVzO74jWBg3CAADit4J1hSsau6zAbMZXJzd8AIaxllAmQGMwBbVwloqltNNhXnCA2DO9wxNuiabBuiPsZVkGgzg0lu5oQLLrngwEXwP47iyZPjxByDAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Interacting with My Cardiologist

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)

[ResourcesRead

## 35 Self-Care Tips for Black Women

A collection of self-care tips for Black women

![Brandy kennedy 7 P1mau71k JA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of self-care tips for Black women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/35-self-care-tips-for-black-women)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Infertility

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.

![Elena](data:image/png;base64,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)

ES describes her journey of infertility as she and her husband tried to get pregnant and a painful procedure with a male doctor while seeking a diagnosis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-infertility)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE90lEQVRIiWVW247luA0sUuqZnQB5zf9/U7IfEQQ7QTI728cSWVV5sH369IYQJNuwqsgidYl//Pp3ADZkyxZNic0mu7urunb36tqspV7ihgpmAJk5xhzz63z7Ot++zS/f5tu3+fbLmF9zvuWYESNxWiDw/2bA9+j71ee3z789R3+aBeQr8PVo+wzKL901Gn5+e7ZX6D+zz0D4zy5c8D7n65bvNBmSrYg7sifNcx4+Ip63PP7EfOH7zMvVRIsQLQV0TUjBz+YLxj51CHsG4HgJzB+e2rJkSZRJn/3JYcYpqF6gLcDnq+2A7SsC+EqAP7l/oosWRZpt0myow0SEASshPWmsc66uPmKesFcePglzoYsU+2rdZkOVkM8kZEKE+aSx7ghsXBK96I4n/AVNkepWt7rUZVaoDDnDMHI4eUpn0dLntMV8VthrXvXqfje71cUq9zZ3qAFFhgHnwGiI0Om7zgdLCkXGvBaO8aq7b/fZza5nc21whzpCzjTgSI838w6C1FCIEjPSwLQ/Kgef5CG7yZugNvdy7+gV7gjHyAScw90eN7p4ooeISNjzXk+n96eRvBjY1VWs3XurtusIrjwJNAQoh8ZVAiEGGSSSETQy0tOy8Vo2InWjd1d1V+/dtbQP1AoediMRGkIop0d5tpoxOkaD7ZwRDER4TFkw9GG3OtdWWr131eI+CR7BNVzIiDkzUmNqNLtjdpAg3XR0IMNAekrGLc4lDLu72dVd3btr9969Dq0DdSQfBpERfssYmW8cHd3sxmiPdrZy3ASaogy/oLNfIqhdtdfeB/eh/Yj9njqMxsiAMmaOL9EV3bgJFBXIcISNGJMi7Ev2E767q+uyvWvVXlyH1iPqPflwdIyZQObbjV7o8qjMipgRA46QEZpsGrjhT/An/q69aq+9Du6H1zvq5+C7g5hfIiLyS4yKWeh29ciO7IgKJyZAIzlJ2qBOUW5lqqv2rr1rrbVqP3q9e/3M+iH9RCj8l8gZWTEb1R49RmtUZAUGHJCRQubspuFzR6jL/SuCfdmx14PrD6/fs74P/eYE/LfIX2JsVHm2u1Wd2YGCEwKGkULkLBL2ndYPcXbtXXvttS6Cnz7+nfXbNDAQ+B7jr5iN7lOfzIqowIQTCqeRdObs6juCq+6ra1ft2nuvtY+1j73euX54/XMUBGACwZgLXWi6OEZndkYDBYUJDzkGImY1bUu3PlW7elftqjO/az3W/sn1LyyMggIQIhG90UTT3SpmNKJu9+FBx3Dk7G7bFG/37+rflz7Hfqz1g8fvODAaSgCIRvSKvpYuR2c20FCaoSHHdKQjZz0Jrgh6V1XVunNw7Pe1vvdCLMyGByKQE8kdJFoaGoMRhMtKj1BKQUUaZxXZFF+r6CnRUcex/zj2f7kQB94ITORAEsEKGpQotgINDytFM6aCQhoxi7RNss6r4rNM+1xm69g/j40zAhIw8gsGMaSUIIvKZoCnn0oTYqSQAs6FZpJs9blTnEdM1+7atVb957HRC/mAjUxMYuokQNCmMoWQTWUQZqidRBgxSdkm1WKfpyTZzSKra3Ov/v0o1MJ4IALzDU200cKQQ7acMiiZUhBoqJ00hJiUbPPjNBCpW1gWaxOrsTfmwgh8+YY2KMigkedNVUJIFkM0CtEWHTSmX+x5BZWffN1CEbthgze0AF2XfqQtA7LCCtGgk3YbcvwPnDXX5d2itnsAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)