INDIANAPOLIS — A new push from the Indianapolis Colts hopes to provide more resources and training to several local organization to fight domestic violence in the Black community, the organization said in a statement released on Monday.
The Players’ Action Fund was created by Colts players to advance social justice efforts in the community, and will soon award $50,000 to the Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis to develop and implement training for Marion County law enforcement agencies on domestic violence in the Black community.
That fund was established in 2018 as part of Breaking Barriers, the Colts’ effort to support organizations and initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, the team said in a statement.
“Domestic violence is another issue that has a devastating effect on the Black community, but few resources and training exist to deal with this scourge in a way that adequately support and serve Black survivors,” Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II said. “By working with our first responders and other law enforcement, we hope to shine a light on this issue in underserved communities and help more survivors and families find the help they deserve and need.”
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence affects the Black community disproportionately, with more than 45% of Black women and 40% of Black men having experienced domestic violence in their lifetimes.
Research also shows that less than half of all domestic violence incidents, regardless of community, are reported to law enforcement, indicating many survivors do not see the criminal justice system as the answer to their problems.
"The history of discrimination against Black Americans has exacerbated the problem in this community, resulting in a general mistrust of criminal justice, public assistance and social services systems," the Colts said in a statement.
The new curriculum will educate law enforcement, including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and Marion County Community Corrections, on cultural differences and dynamics, generational trauma, how to respond to domestic violence and culturally-specific referral resources for survivors, according to the team.
This will be one of the first training programs of its kind in the United States.
DVN serves as a leader in domestic violence prevention in Indianapolis by offering a comprehensive menu of trainings designed to increase awareness about domestic violence and how to be responsive.
