Against the Current: Prof. Gómez’s Book on Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory Receives Glowing Review
Prof. Jennifer M. Gómez’s book, “The Cultural Betrayal Trauma of Black Women and Girls: A Black Feminist Approach to Healing from Sexual Abuse,” highlights the compounded trauma Black women experience when sexual violence is perpetrated within their own communities, as it breaches both personal trust and shared cultural bonds. A recent review of her book discusses how Gómez challenges traditional psychology for ignoring these unique experiences and instead she promotes a healing approach that focuses on justice, community support, and breaking down social inequalities. Gómez is an assistant professor at BU School of Social Work specializing in intersectional oppression, trauma, abuse, and violence.
Excerpt from “Toward Communal Healing” by M. Colleen McDaniel:
Gómez’s theory is ‘placed within and atop more than 150 years of Black women’s (and some others’) scholarship and activism,’ drawing on the work of Black Feminists such as Audre Lorde, bell hooks, and the Combahee River Collective. In explicitly peppering quotes from ‘brilliant scholars and activists,’ she rejects ‘a singular, individualization of [her] work in favor of contextualizing [her] contributions within the past and present collective We.’
This powerful communal approach to her writing is an application of her own theory that calls for binding ourselves to the power of community for healing.
In a time of global shared traumas, as we experience both harm and hopefully healing, Gómez’ work, although in parts directed at mental health practitioners, is applicable to all who confront harm committed within our communities. As a result, we can learn to heal together, and end patterns of violence.”