Black women in the United States are experiencing homicide rates much higher than those of other groups, according to research led by Tameka Gillum, PhD, associate professor at The University of New Mexico College of Population Health. Gillum and her co-authors describe this pattern as a significant health disparity and warn that failure to address it has serious consequences.
Their analysis and call for action have been published in journals such as the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. The research team included colleagues from UNM, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and a community organization based in Milwaukee.
The group found that in 2020, Black women were killed at a rate of 11.6 per 100,000 people, compared to three homicides per 100,000 among White women during the same period. Wisconsin showed the largest difference: Black women there were 20 times more likely to be killed than White women.
Gillum explained that most deaths occurred at the hands of someone known to the victim. In 2020, over half of murdered Black women were killed by current or former romantic partners. Additionally, their findings indicate that 90% of Black women who were murdered knew their assailant.
“These findings show a clear and severe disparity. The consistently higher homicide rates for Black women represent a critical public health issue that merits a focused response,” said Gillum.
The study also highlights the psychological impact on Black women living with this risk every day. According to Gillum, “Black women experience a significant psychological burden, existing in a context where there is such disregard for their health and well-being. We worry for the welfare of ourselves, our daughters, our mothers, sisters, partners, friends, and other loved ones.”
Pregnancy further increases risk: between 2000 and 2019 homicide became one of the leading causes of death for pregnant or recently postpartum Black women. Forty-two percent of Black maternal deaths unrelated to childbirth resulted from violence.
Gillum attributes these dangers partly to harmful stereotypes about Black women that may increase their exposure to violence from both intimate partners and law enforcement officers. She also points out that structural racism leads many Black communities to face greater poverty levels and increased gun exposure alongside heavier policing—all factors contributing to unsafe conditions.
Systemic racism makes some Black women reluctant to contact police even when they feel threatened. “Due to a history of problematic encounters with the police, Black women are hesitant to call law enforcement even when concerned for their own safety, as sometimes this has resulted in their own deaths at the hands of responding officers," said Gillum.
Gun-related deaths are particularly prevalent among Black women in impoverished areas with high unemployment rates. Between 2015 and 2021, out of 100 police officers involved in fatal shootings involving Black female victims, only nine lost their jobs; five faced charges; none were convicted. Since 2015, although making up just 13% of U.S. females, Black women accounted for one-fifth of all police shootings involving female victims—over half were unarmed.
Gillum noted that each loss reverberates through families and communities causing trauma beyond individual cases; high murder rates during pregnancy also affect birth rates within affected populations.
Despite these statistics indicating an urgent problem needing intervention—such as national databases tracking violent deaths among Black women or improved media coverage—the issue remains largely overlooked.
Gillum’s team expressed support for initiatives addressing similar problems facing Indigenous communities: “For any other health disparity of this magnitude we would be drawing due attention and investing appropriate resources,” she said. “But since it is Black women's lives at stake, the issue fades to the background.”
Investment into economic opportunities and neighborhood improvements is seen as essential by Gillum: policies targeting poverty reduction could help decrease violence against Black women.
“These findings show a clear and severe disparity,” she reiterated. “The consistently higher homicide rates for Black women represent a critical public health issue that merits a focused response."
