"See Us, Hear Us”: On Black Girlhood, Violence and Trauma in the UK

• In Event: Intervention with Girls and Women Involved in Gangs and Violence

Abstract

See Us, Hear Us : On Black Girlhood, Violence and Trauma will explore the impact of Violence on Black Girls and the interventions Milk Honey Bees are providing to support Black Girls affected by Violence in the community. Milk Honey Bees being part of this panel will allow the often invisible experiences of Black Girls in the UK to be at the forefront whilst providing a detailed overview of how Black Girls intersect with Violence and the interventions being provided from 1:1 therapeutic support / advocacy to group creative work and safe spaces. A common misconception is that youth violence exclusively exists within boys and young adults. However, the reality is youth violence significantly impacts the lives of all involved, including Black girls: either directly or indirectly. Blinkered vision often results in systematic failures to address and support those affected. Black Girls have described being part of physical altercations ranging from defending male relatives from police to initiating fights and defending themselves. Black girls find themselves adopting a maternal role in defense of boys their age. Describing the pressure to become therapists, protectors and advocates, whilst having their own trauma and needs pushed aside.

Author

• Ebinehita Iyere, Milk Honey Bees