Transforming Lives

The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

IPV is a serious public health issue, especially for teens. The CDC reports that:

  • Prevalence: 1 in 12 high school students face physical dating violence, and 1 in 10 experience sexual violence.

  • Impact on Black Girls: Black girls are more likely to experience IPV than their peers.

  • Long-Term Effects: Teens affected by IPV face higher risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and victimization in adulthood. They may exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting., and think about suicide.

  • Academic Impact: IPV often leads to poor academic performance, higher dropout rates, and fewer opportunities for higher education.

  • Health Risks: IPV can cause chronic pain, reproductive issues, STDs, and unintended pregnancies.

Financial Implications of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates major financial burdens at all levels, including costs related to healthcare, legal services, lost productivity, and social services.

  • Healthcare: IPV victims face high medical expenses, with U.S. healthcare costs exceeding $8.3 billion annually.

  • Legal Costs: IPV strains the legal system through law enforcement, court cases, and support for shelters and victim services.

  • Lost Productivity: IPV leads to nearly 8 million days of lost paid work each year, costing billions in reduced productivity.

  • Social Services: Government and nonprofits invest heavily in housing, counseling, and assistance for IPV victims.

The Building Beautiful Black Girls Project helps deter financial implications and costs by preventing IPV through education, empowerment, and early intervention. By reducing the incidence of IPV, the program will contribute to:

  • Lower Healthcare Costs: Educating girls on healthy relationships and self-worth can prevent the physical and mental health issues associated with IPV, leading to reduced healthcare expenses.

  • Decreased Legal and Social Service Costs: Early intervention and prevention can reduce the need for legal interventions and social services, thereby alleviating the burden on local and state resources.

  • Increased Productivity: Empowering girls to avoid abusive relationships can lead to improved academic and career outcomes, resulting in higher productivity and economic contributions.

Community Impact

The Building Beautiful Black Girls Project addresses a critical need by providing Black girls with the tools and support necessary to build healthy relationships and avoid domestic violence. Through mentorship, education, and community support, the program aims to empower a new generation of confident, resilient young women who value themselves and their relationships.