Truth, Power, and Practice

Safety started when she was believed the first time – not the fifth. 

Ama*, a Black survivor of domestic abuse, carried this truth after years of being dismissed. Each time she sought help, questions came back: “Are you sure? Could this be African culture?” Only when her injuries became too visible did action follow. By then, her children had learned fear as a second language. 

For Black survivors, safety depends less on whether harm is happening, and more on whether institutions believe them. 

The Truth About Belief

One myth about Black survivors: that we are too strong to be victims. This stereotype means suffering is minimised, and help is delayed.  

Nadia*, another survivor, described it plainly: “When I was disbelieved, I was fighting him and the system. When I met a Black advocate who believed me without hesitation, knew the right Arabic dialect that I spoke, knew that there are Black Arabic speakers, I found the courage to believe myself again.” 

What Cultural Competence Looks Like

From survivors, we hear what makes the difference: 

• Language access that captures nuance and confidentiality. 

• Faith-aware practice, recognising how scripture can trap or heal. 

• Community partnership, where trusted Black-led groups are resourced to respond. 

• Safety planning that reflects reality – immigration status, family pressures, stigma. 

What Must Change

To improve outcomes for Black survivors, we must: 

• Fund Black-led organisations sustainably. 

• Shift power so Black leaders are included in shaping national strategy. 

• Black people invited to train professionals in anti-racist, specialist survivor-centred practice. 

• Believe Black survivors the first time. 

For Ama and Nadia, survival was not about strength alone – it was about being seen, heard, provided with the appropriate resources and believed. Black leadership continues to demand a future where safety is immediate, justice is fair, and belief is never rationed. 

*Names changed for safety