Deadly Domestic Violence Cases Stir Calls for More Prevention Resources for Black Communities
Two deadly domestic violence cases, one in Louisiana and the other in Virginia targeting Black mothers, have prompted renewed attention on domestic violence prevention and the availability of mental health resources in Black communities.
Advocates say the tragedies highlight long standing patterns in which Black women face higher risks of intimate partner violence. They point to disparities in access to care and support systems that can leave some families more vulnerable to violence inside the home.
In Shreveport, Louisiana, authorities say 31 year old Shamar Elkins shot and killed seven of his children and another child early Sunday morning. A relative said Elkins was in the process of separating from his wife, who was injured in the attack.
Days earlier in Virginia, police found the bodies of former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his estranged wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, inside their home in Annandale. Authorities said Fairfax fatally shot his wife before taking his own life. Their two children were inside the home at the time but were not harmed. Like Elkins, Fairfax was in the process of separating from his wife and had an upcoming court deadline related to moving out of the home.
While investigators have not determined what led to either case, experts say the circumstances reflect patterns seen in domestic violence incidents across the country and underscore the need for prevention efforts that address underlying causes.
Family members of the Louisiana victims described a history of violence. Shaneiqua Elkins was shot, and her sister, Keosha Pugh, was injured while trying to escape. The family had previously experienced gun violence, losing their mother when they were young.
“It’s sad. It just breaks you down,” Pugh said.
Shreveport Councilman Grayson Boucher said the killings reflect a broader domestic violence crisis affecting the city and communities beyond it.
National data supports those concerns. A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that more than four in ten Black women experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetimes, a higher rate than other groups.
According to a 2025 study by the Violence Policy Center, Black women are also twice as likely to be killed by men as white women. In most cases, victims know their attackers, and firearms are frequently used.
Pamela Tate, executive director of Black Women Revolt, said a history of institutional racism has contributed to distrust of law enforcement and child services agencies, which can make some women hesitant to seek help.
“Domestic violence is about exerting power over someone that you profess to love and controlling their behavior,” Tate said.
Mental health has also been part of the discussion following both cases. A relative said Elkins had sought treatment at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital earlier this year. In Virginia, court records show Fairfax struggled emotionally in recent years, including heavy drinking and withdrawing from his family.
Dr. Christine Crawford, a psychiatrist and interim chief medical officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said financial strain, relationship issues and workplace pressures can contribute to emotional distress.
She added that many Black individuals face barriers to care, including high costs and limited insurance coverage, which can make treatment less accessible.
“It makes some think about the amount of pain, distress and hopelessness they found themselves in at that time,” Crawford said.
Research from the University of Michigan shows that 10 percent of Black adults experience moderate to severe depression, while 18 percent experience anxiety disorders. Still, cultural expectations and stigma often discourage Black men from seeking treatment, according to Professor Daphne C. Watkins.
Others emphasize that mental health challenges do not justify violence.
“To say they’re mentally ill, that doesn’t cut it,” Tate said. “There are people who are depressed or people who have schizophrenia and don’t harm their partners, much less kill them.”
Tate added that victims may also face mental health struggles but do not resort to violence, reinforcing that domestic abuse is rooted in control rather than illness.
As communities process the recent killings, advocates continue to call for expanded prevention resources, improved access to mental health care and stronger support systems to reduce the risk of domestic violence.
