New Book from Prof. Gómez Examines How Cultural Betrayal Impacts Black Women Sexual Abuse Survivors
In 2012, Prof. Jennifer M. Gómez introduced Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory to better understand how violence within a marginalized group impacts survivors’ mental health and recovery. Her new book, “The Cultural Betrayal of Black Women & Girls: A Black Feminist Approach to Healing from Sexual Abuse,” explains how to promote Black women’s and girls’ healing through individual, community, and institutional strategies. The book will be released on July 11, 2023 and is currently available for pre-order.
This within-group violence, known as cultural betrayal trauma, often results in further harm for victims and is rooted in societal injustices and inequalities. The theory, which incorporates Black feminist and critical race lenses, has helped scholars, practitioners, and advocates find more effective ways to support survivors. Future practitioners and social workers can also gain insights about how to provide culturally-relevant support and contribute to the fight against intersectional oppression, such as racism and sexism together.
Written within the present context of Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements, Gómez amplifies cross-generational solidarity by including quotes from influential Black women, including:
- Angela Davis
- Patricia Hill Collins
- Audre Lorde
- bell hooks
- Anna Julia Cooper
- Nina Simone
“Readers will be able to grasp the new contributions of the book, while gaining insight, strength, and wisdom from our transgenerational community of Black women scholars and activists,” says Gómez.