Why Are Black Women Six Times More Likely To Be Homicide Victims?

In many states, especially in the Midwest, a new analysis shows that Black women face a much higher risk of being victims of homicide. From 1999 to 2020, Black women were, on average, six times more likely to be murdered compared to white women, and the risk has increased by 73% for Black women aged 25 to 44 between 2014 and 2020.

A recent study published in the Lancet looked at over 31,600 homicide deaths among women in 30 states over the past two decades. Shockingly, the study found that Black women were murdered at a rate six times higher than white women, with the Midwest having the highest disparity. In 2020, the homicide rate for Black women was 11.6 per 100,000 women, while it remained relatively stable at 3 per 100,000 for white women in the same age group.

Alarming Disparities: Black Women Face Elevated Homicide Risks

The Midwest, particularly Wisconsin, stood out with the largest disparity, where the homicide rate for Black women was more than 20 times that of white women from 2019 to 2020. The study also revealed that concentrated disadvantage in certain areas of the country contributes to these alarming rates.

Economic factors play a role, as the study suggests that structural racism, influencing education, employment, poverty, residential segregation, and home ownership, contributes to higher homicide rates among Black women. Economic inequality, affecting Black households, may create circumstances that increase the risk, especially in cases involving intimate partner violence.

The study emphasized the impact of firearm homicides, which are increasing in frequency. Unfortunately, firearm-related deaths disproportionately affect Black women across all U.S. regions. The researchers pointed out that understanding these disparities is crucial to addressing the root causes, including economic inequality, racial disparities, and structural racism.

In 2023, Wisconsin's economy ranked 49th for racial equality, reflecting broader challenges. The study highlights the need for addressing these issues at a systemic level to ensure the safety and well-being of Black women, recognizing that economic disparities and structural racism contribute significantly to their heightened risk of homicide.