According to recent reports, the number of African American women who are gun owners has gone up considerably over the past several years. The reasons that there is a growing segment of the female population, particularly in African American communities, arming themselves are numerous. Women, in general, are tired of feeling powerless and are looking for more security by taking measures in their own hands.
Domestic Violence
The US already has a higher rate of domestic violence than any other country in the globe. A study in 2023 by the World Population Review stated that 49.1% of women, which is one in two women, are currently in domestic violence abuse conditions. According to the Black Women’s Health Project, 40% of Black women will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lives, while only 30% of White women will. With a disproportionate amount of women being threatened in the African American community, it is no wonder gun ownership has been on the rise.
Poor Living Conditions
The poverty rates for African American women are also disproportionately higher as well. According to recent data, 16.6% of Black women lived in poverty last year, while only 7.3% of white women did. When women are in impoverished neighborhoods, there is a greater likelihood of drugs and crime, meaning that African American women need to have a way to protect themselves and see gun ownership as a viable tool.
Police Brutality
Women who are stopped by the police have a right to be worried that they might be the victim of violence. According to recent statistics, African American women are 1.4 times more likely to be killed by the police than white women.
No Assistance in Poorer Communities
Those women who do live in impoverished or dangerous neighborhoods are less likely to have the police come to their aid. According to recent studies, in certain areas of the United States, someone issuing a call for help in a poor community can wait up to hours more for assistance than when someone in a wealthy community calls. That means many women know that calling the authorities is pointless when they are in real danger.
Crime
African American women are more likely to be the victim of a crime. Because crime is highest in poverty-stricken areas, Black women are more susceptible to being involved in violent crime incidents. Therefore, they are taking up arms to protect themselves and regain their freedom from the real fear of being a victim.
Drugs
In poorer neighborhoods, there are more likely issues with drugs and substance abuse. With a higher rate of drug use, there is a higher risk of violence and crime. Black women tend to live in areas that are poor, which means that drugs affect their lives and their safety more often. Having a gun at home can be a way to deter crime and the effects of it.
Single Household Women Number Increase
Societal roles and mores in America continue to change. One such role is women as protectors. As the number of female heads of household increases, so does the number of women who are now the protector of the family. With many responsibilities to care for themselves and the protection of their children, gun ownership is offering them more security than not owning a gun.
Public Awareness
Americans have always had the freedom to bear arms, but that doesn’t mean that accessibility was always there. African American women are starting to exercise their right to own a gun, perhaps because it is becoming more acceptable or because of the growing awareness that gun ownership is available to all.
Training Accessibility
One of the biggest reasons that most people don’t own guns is that they recognize the responsibility that comes with owning and operating a firearm. There is a growing push in society to make sure that those who own guns have the education and training to use them properly. Black women who are looking to arm themselves have training available where once they did not, meaning that it is now feasible for a population who once didn't think ownership was.
Affordability
Although firearm costs around the nation have gone up since the pandemic, there has been a growing number of women buying them. The average gun cost is about $400-$600. Many African American women view the cost of owning a gun for protection as a better use of their money and are willing to sacrifice other things to own one.
Post Pandemic Fears
The pandemic brought about a lot of consequences, especially in African American communities. During COVID-19, the number of domestic abuse victims in the US increased by 8% in just one year due to lockdowns. Many who were victims during the pandemic days bought guns post-pandemic for protection.
Trauma
According to statistics, eight out of ten African American women will experience some sort of trauma in their lifetime. Whether real or imagined fear, many Black women are dealing with the consequences of being in a traumatic situation. Tired of being powerless, they are taking up arms in an attempt to take back their security.
Sexual Assault Victims
As many as one in five Black women will be the survivors of rape, with 41% of African American women being the victim of sexual assault at some point in their life. With such a high rate of women in the African American community falling prey to sexual abuse and assault, many Black women are arming themselves for protection in their communities and their homes.
The Rise of Homelessness
Recent statistics say that 40% of Black women are homeless, while only 26% of white women are. When you are homeless, there is a greater risk of crime and violence. Being on the streets comes with an additional risk of harm, which is why African American women are arming themselves at a great rate.
The Wage Gap
On average, African American women earn less than any other racial group or gender. That means that many of them are reliant upon the men in their lives for housing and necessities. When you are reliant on someone else, that puts you at a higher risk of domestic abuse and violence at home. Women might have to rely on their male partners but are realizing they have to rely on themselves to ensure their safety.
Child Abuse
According to statistics, 504 black children died from maltreatment in 2020 alone, that is 73 more than the previous year. With such high rates of child abuse in the African American community, women who are attempting to protect their children are turning to arming themselves. When there is a reliance in the home for financial reasons, the risk of child abuse is real and especially jarring for Black women and their children.
Better Education For Gun Safety
Along with training, there is better education for gun safety. With more education, African American women understand that there are ways to care for their guns and ensure that their children aren’t victims of gun violence. Better safety measures mean that women can feel more safe owning a gun at home.
The Fear of Violence Against Black Women is Real
There has been a sharp increase in African American women becoming gun owners for a reason. The fear of violence against Black women is real, and many are tired of being powerless. A mix of education, acceptability, and accessibility are all reasons that Black women are taking up arms to protect themselves and their families.
30 Traditional Sayings That Are Now Considered Offensive by Woke Culture
30 Traditional Sayings That Are Now Considered Offensive by Woke Culture
21 Habits Often Associated With Having a Lower Social Status
21 Habits Often Associated With Having a Lower Social Status
25 Social Issues Gen Z are Determined to Cancel
