Activism

California State Gov and Advocacy Orgs Are Empowering Domestic Abuse Survivors on Path to Healing

In California, about 42.5% of Black women have experienced some form of IPV, compared to 34.9% of all women in the state, according to a Blue Shield of California Foundation report. This abuse can be physical, psychological, financial, sexual emotional.. Even after the abuse ends, some survivors experience physical health issues like chronic pain, stomach issues, heart disease and diabetes, as well as mental health issues like eating disorders, headaches, and insomnia. Guns and gender violence are a particularly dangerous combination for Black women.

Published

1 year ago

December 23, 2024

Oakland Post

Edward Henderson | California Black Media

California native Sheilah Kimble says she was far from home, living in Buffalo, NY, when her partner became physically and verbally abusive.

“There were several occasions when I reached out to different agencies to assist me with my situation,” remembers Kimble, who is from South Los Angeles County. “I felt nobody wanted to help. Nobody gave me advice because I was from a marginalized community. I was not aware of any resources, so I thought they were limited.”

Kimble says her 5-month-old daughter would sometimes witness the abuse and hide behind her crib, cowering in fear.

Despite the harm to her, her daughter and son, it was hard for Kimble to gain the strength to leave.

“They call that trauma-bonding. It’s unhealthy,” said Kimble.

As the violence in her home escalated, law enforcement got involved and social services threatened to take her son away.

“A social worker would come by and ask certain questions. Being in an abusive relationship, you pretty much are controlled and coached. So, I was afraid to say certain things,” Kimble continued.

Eventually, the social worker helped Kimble find a shelter and connected her with the resources she needed to get back to her family in California.

Like Kimble, victims of domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) often struggle to find a way out and, often, they must consider the safety of not just themselves — but that of their children as well.

In California, about 42.5% of Black women have experienced some form of IPV, compared to 34.9% of all women in the state, according to a Blue Shield of California Foundation report. This abuse can be physical, psychological, financial, sexual emotional.. Even after the abuse ends, some survivors experience physical health issues like chronic pain, stomach issues, heart disease and diabetes, as well as mental health issues like eating disorders, headaches, and insomnia. Guns and gender violence are a particularly dangerous combination for Black women.

According to the California Black Women’s Health Project, DV is the number one health issue Black women in California face.

To address the alarming rates of DV and IPV in the state –and the disproportionate rate of incidents in African American communities — the State of California and advocacy organizations across the state are wrapping their arms around victims, providing them resources and taking a number of policy actions to address the problem.

“Domestic violence continues to disproportionately impact women, leaving many survivors trapped in cycles of abuse with limited resources to escape. This burden is not just felt in broken bodies and hearts, but in economic devastation that undermines women’s independence and security,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom in a statement earlier this year.

In September, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of eight laws to protect victims of DV. Those laws address the following issues:

Created a new victim restitution fund for survivors of domestic abuse and other crimes

Expanded access to restraining orders and streamlined the process of obtaining them

Established a partnership with car manufacturers to prevent victim tracking; equipped investigators with more tools to prevent cases from being improperly classified as homicides

Increased public awareness about financial abuse and provided resources to help victims exit violent domestic situations

Lenore A. Tate, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist/Professional Consultant
Dr. Lenore Tate is a licensed psychologist based in the Bay Area who has been an expert in trauma-informed care for over 30 years. She believes the first step in overcoming domestic violence is recognizing that you are in an abusive relationship.

Dr. Lenore Tate is a licensed psychologist based in the Bay Area who has been an expert in trauma-informed care for over 30 years. She believes the first step in overcoming domestic violence is recognizing that you are in an abusive relationship.

“Historically, in our Black families, speaking about domestic violence has been taboo. So, to reach out for help also adds an extra layer of emotional trauma shame and remorse,” said Tate.

To recognize a domestic violence situation, Tate notes that there are at least 8 categories to consider.

“Physical abuse is obviously one,” Tate says.

“But there are also a number of other categories,” she continued, “such as intimidation, coercion, fiduciary or economic abuse, economic control, the way one abuses his or her authority, using loved ones to control the relationship, minimizing and denying and or blaming others, and of course social isolation, keeping that person away from their family. And lastly, verbal attacks.”

Across California, there are many organizations providing resources to individuals to help them escape and heal from domestic violence situations.

Christoper Negri is the Associate Director of Public Policy Strategies for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (The Partnership). The organization represents a vast network of service providers throughout the state.

“We exist to represent the folks who are doing this work in community. Our member programs will provide shelter, they’ll provide legal representation to survivors, they’ll provide counseling services, many different types of services and support to domestic violence survivors. We as a partnership, representing them, we provide training and technical assistance to them. We provide a voice in institutions of power.”

With the help from service providers like those represented by The Partnership, Kimble and her family have made significant progress on their road to recovery. She is now a published author, screenwriter and playwright. She also started her own non-profit committed to aiding other survivors named in honor of her son called The Arthur Lee Ducantell II Foundation.

“That’s part of my healing, to be able to share,” Kimble said. To help others. I believe in a relationship with God. And I think that He put me in that position to be able to teach batterers.”

If you or someone you know in California is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800-799-7233, visit the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence at CPEDV.org, search this database at FindaHelpline.com for organizations serving your area, or use this map to find resources near you.

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Activism

The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento

A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.

Published

4 days ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) presents a Senate resolution to the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority Farwest Region at the State Capitol on May 4. Photo courtesy of the Senate Rules Committee.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.

The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.

Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.

“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”

The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.

“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.

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Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

Published

4 days ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.

The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.

The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.

“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”

The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.

Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.

“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.

A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.

Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.

The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.

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OPINION: The Fire of Oakland’s Justin Jones

Jones made headlines three years ago when he was one of a pair of Justins. Along with fellow State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis), he fought their removal from the state house in Tennessee and won reinstatement. Now, Pearson is running for Congress and Jones is still fighting for all of us.

Published

4 days ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville). File photo.

By Emil Amok Guillermo

You may know Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville).

He grew up in Oakland and the East Bay. His mother is Filipino. You can tell by his full name Justin Shea Bautista Jones.

His father is African American.

He is fighting for all of us.

Now, Pearson is running for Congress and Jones is still fighting for all of us.

The recent 6-3 Supreme Court decision barring the use of race in drawing congressional districts marks a major turning point in U.S. history.

The decision took away the Voting Rights Act’s power to assure minority voices were both heard and represented.

“What we’re seeing now is this new Jim Crow system in which Black and Brown communities are without voice in our political process,” he told Fredricka Whitfield on CNN last weekend.

“That’s a canary in the coal mine for the rest of the nation. If they come for one of us, they’re coming for all of us, and some of my message to America is that the South is the front line of democracy,” Jones said. “They are dismantling multi-racial democracy here in the South, in states like Tennessee and Louisiana. But they aren’t going to stop here.”

That’s why Jones said we have to start paying attention to the South, and start helping them fight back there,” he said.

“I want to be clear that this terror, this type of system they’re enacting, are the same systems my grandparents told me about who grew up in Tennessee, a system where people like me couldn’t even be in political office. That’s the time they’re bringing us back to and I’m not sounding the alarm to be alarmist. But I am sounding it because we’ve seen this before in our history.”

Jones talked about Reconstruction and about what happened between the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1960s, when there was no Black political representation.

It’s a rebellion to keep our democracy going forward, he said.

“Stand with us and help us fight back against this extremist power grab — this racist power grab against our vision of a multi-racial democracy,” Jones added.

“While there is a litigation strategy, it’s important to maintain what he called a “movement strategy” that leads to the largest voter mobilization and registration that has ever been seen in the South,” he encouraged.

In 2026.

“Tennessee is an oppressed state,” Jones said. “It’s a state where one in five Black voters can’t vote because of felony disenfranchisement. It is where you can use a gun permit to vote, but you can’t use a student ID card to vote.

That’s the Asian American African American voice of Justin Jones.

Read his words for inspiration.

About the Author

Emil Guillermo is a veteran journalist, commentator, and comic stage monologist. His new show “69, Emil Amok: Anchorman—The News Made Me Do It,” is at the San Diego Fringe at New Destiny/Lincoln Park, 4931 Logan Ave. Ste. 102. May 14-23, at various times. Get tickets here.