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Debra Varnado's Blog

Black women make up less than 10% of Los Angeles County’s population, yet they are more likely to... more »
posted 11/20/19
Public health officials and medical professionals now recognize violence and other major factors ... more »
posted 03/27/19

Debra Varnado's Work

Years after the National Black Women’s Health Project identified domestic violence as “the number one public health issue for women of African ancestry,” African-American women continue to be abused at disproportionately higher rates than other women and to be killed more often by a current or forme
A report published by the Los Angeles County Public Health Department shows economic hardship and an inability to support one’s family because monthly earnings do not cover monthly expenses may contribute to the disproportionate rates of domestic violence toward African-American women.
Four years after the city of Los Angeles expanded its domestic abuse response team program to all 21 divisions in the Los Angeles Police Department, a report says the program falls short of its target due to low levels of implementation by patrol officers.