Exploring the Link Between Stereotypic Images and Intimate Partner Violence in the African American Community

This study investigated the link between stereotypic images of African American women and intimate partner violence in the African American community. Abrief questionnaire was given to a community-based sample of 221 African American men to (a) examine the degree to which African American men endorsed stereotypic images of African American women and (b) explore whether a belief in these images related to a belief that it is justified to use violence against an intimate partner. Results indicated that a large percentage of African American men endorsed stereotypic images of African American women. Endorsement of the stereotypes positively related to justification of violence against women.