Published in 2018
227 pages
Dr. Ava Kanyeredzi is a lecturer of Psychology and Social Change, School of Psychology, at the University of East London. She teaches on the BSc and MSc Forensic Psychology and Clinical and Community Psychology programmes. She joined the University of East London in February 2016 and prior to that worked as a researcher at Camden and Islington Foundation Mental Health Trust evaluating staff and service user experiences of mental health crisis houses, acute day units and inpatient wards. She completed a PhD at the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit, London Metropolitan University (2014) that investigated lived experiences of violence and abuse, seeking help, consequences for the body and mental well-being with African and Caribbean heritage women living in the UK. Dr. Kanyeredzi has been involved in a number of collaborative research projects with Prof. Paula Reavey (London South Bank University), Prof. Steve D. Brown (Leicester University), Dr. Laura McGrath and Dr. Ian Tucker (University of East London) exploring patients and staff experiences of forensic psychiatric spaces and intimate relationships during periods of detention.
What is this book about?
This book presents an in-depth account of nine Black British women’s experiences of violence and abuse. Through in depth interviews and analysis the author reveals their feelings of being silenced as children, women, Black women and as victims/survivors. Being silenced or staying silent about experiences of violence and abuse are key influences in how and when women access help and support and Kanyeredzi illuminates missed opportunities in how and when this help and support can and should be given.
Based on women’s descriptions of how they felt supported, listened to, yet ‘unheard’, chapters explore what professionals might face in the process of supporting Black women who access these services. The book contributes valuable understanding to the growing literature discussing challenges faced by minoritised women attempting to live full lives in the UK. The book also includes images created as part of the project. This book is a useful resource for victims/survivors, students, researchers, clinical psychologists, counsellors, health professionals, social workers, educators and specialised violence support organisations.
