Black women in Minnesota are three times more likely than white women to be murdered. While only 7 percent of the state population is Black, 40 percent of domestic violence victims are Black women. Starting August 4, community leaders across Minnesota will join the fight to end this violence, distributing a groundbreaking survey specifically for Black women, girls and femmes to shape how state agencies, emergency services, and community organizations serve people impacted by violence.

Research in Action is excited to announce the next phase of our critical work to address the epidemic of violence against Black women and girls. In 2024, the Equity in Action Way Foundation was awarded a Bush Community Innovation Grant and contracted with RIA to embark on a five-year process to 1) assess how Black women and girls perceive their level of vulnerability to violence and 2) measure the progress of key state agencies toward reducing Black women and girls’ vulnerability to violence.