October Program Agenda

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is the President-Elect of the Society for the Psychology of Women (Division 35 of the American Psychological Association.  Dr. Bryant-Davis, an Assistant Professor at Pepperdine University, teaches Individual and Family Development: A Life Cycle Approach, Trauma in Diverse Populations, Expressive Arts Therapy, Intimate Partner Violence, and Professional Practice and Mental Health Systems. In 2007 the American Psychological Association awarded her the Emerging Leader of Women in Psychology Award for her scholarship and clinical work on violence against women. In addition, she was awarded the Sarah Allen Research on the Status of Black Women Award. Her research expertise is in the cultural context of trauma, particularly child abuse, partner abuse, sexual assault, and the societal trauma of racism.  Dr. Bryant-Davis earned her doctorate from Duke University and completed her post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical Center.  She served as Senior Staff Psychologist at the Princeton University SHARE program, a intervention and prevention program focused on sexual assault and harassment, as well as dating violence.

On a global level, Dr. Bryant-Davis was selected as an American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations where she provided education, advocacy, and monitoring of Member States' mental health policies for three years; she currently serves as the Global and International Issues Chairperson for the Society for the Psychology of Women. Dr. Bryant-Davis was recently appointed to serve on the American Psychological Association Committee on Women in Psychology. She directs the Culture and Trauma Research Lab which studies the intersection of cultural context and trauma recovery. Dr. Bryant-Davis' work has been highlighted on BET and PBS, as well as in the Trenton Times, Herald Sun, and Boston Globe.
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Overview
African American women are at increased risk for severe intimate partner abuse including femicide.  To address this critical issue fully, it is necessary to recognize the historical and societal contributions to the violation of African American women.  Intimate partner abuse survivors are confronted with a range of consequences, including but not limited to PTSD, depression, substance use, distrust, difficulty concentrating, homelessness, parenting difficulties, and loss of meaning.  Some risk factors for abuse are having low income, restricted access to education and vocational training, minimal social support, and living in unsafe neighborhoods.  African American women may turn to informal support networks, spirituality, community action, and formal support networks that are considered culturally sensitive.  Agencies and helping professionals can improve their capacity to attract and retain African American clients by taking a number of concrete steps.  This session will describe the dynamics, risk factors, potential effects, protective factors, and agency implications for working with this often underserved population.  Additionally the importance of prevention and community education will be addressed as it relates to breaking the cycle of abusive relationships and promoting models of healthy partnerships.