INDIANAPOLIS — Domestic violence is a crime that can impact anyone, but it's also a crime some say isn't taken seriously, especially among certain groups like African-American and black women and members of the LGBTQ+ communities.
It's something Ta'Hona Kween Zackery knows all too well. She is a domestic violence survivor.
"I believe they are overlooked when it comes to certain things. I think people have the idea it is not as serious for them," she said. "I, myself, as well, experienced domestic violence at a very young age."
So now Zackery is working to make sure others don't have to experience what she did.
"It impacts me in a major way, like, I would love to jump in and fix it right away," Zackery said.
While she knows a quick fix might not be possible, Zackery still thinks there are things that can be done now, starting with the Domestic Violence Network's three-year Equity Plan.
"We would like to see some systems change, some education happen, people understanding and learning more about race and systematic oppression," Kelly McBride, who works with the Domestic Violence Network, said.
The plan calls for safe spaces for survivors and increased education and prevention programs, all of which will be formed under the direction of people in those at-risk communities.
Indianapolis' director of community violence reduction Shonna Majors said some work is already underway, but she sees a major need for this plan.
"We've been going through a lot of the neighborhoods that have a high call volume for domestic violence calls such as the 46201 area," Majors said. "Just delivering materials to the neighbors there so they know help is available."
Zackery hopes it is a step in the right direction.
"It needs to be getting out in the communities getting involved in events that involve these group of people," she said.
