Harris viewed as ally for Black women disproportionately affected by violence.

This story was originally published by The 19th on Sept. 26, 2024.

A recent march in Washington, D.C. highlighted the often-ignored truth that women of color, particularly Black women, bear the greatest burden of violent crime in the United States. Led by the Alliance for Safety and Justice, the event challenged traditional approaches to law and order, advocating for a new victims’ rights movement focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, economic opportunity, and trauma recovery to reduce incarceration rates.

Black women present at the march shared complex views on seeking justice while addressing root causes like poverty and systemic racism. Despite facing disproportionate victimization rates, they have felt dismissed by law enforcement after experiencing violence. These women are calling for systemic reforms and more support for survivors.

As the conversation around crime and punishment continues, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as an important figure for many Black women, given her background in prosecution and advocacy for victims’ rights. Despite the challenges, there is hope that Harris can bring about meaningful change for marginalized communities.

Overall, the march underscored the need for a holistic approach to address violent crime that prioritizes rehabilitation and community support rather than punitive measures.