We say their names. We honor their lives. We commit to action in their memory. 🕊️

The Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP) mourns the tragic loss of Dr. Cerina Fairfax—a beloved dentist, devoted mother, and cherished member of our community—to an act of domestic violence. Her passing, along with the recent loss of other prominent Black women in April 2026, underscores a devastating reality: domestic violence knows no boundaries and affects women across all professions and backgrounds.

The Scope of the Crisis:

• 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
  
• 45% of Black women report experiencing such violence, bearing a disproportionate burden of this public health crisis.
  
• Over 1/2 of all female homicides are related to intimate partner violence.

As Black women physicians, we recognize our unique responsibility to use our expertise and platforms to demand change. Healthcare settings are critical touchpoints for intervention, and we are calling on all providers to implement trauma-informed screening and support for both patients and colleagues.

Domestic violence is preventable. Every woman deserves to live free from fear, and every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment.

🔗 Call to Action: We invite you to join us in this fight. Download the full ABWP Statement Against Domestic Violence and share it with your network.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7:

📞 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

📱 Text "START" to 88788

#ABWP #SayHerName #EndDomesticViolence #PublicHealth #BlackWomenPhysicians #DomesticViolenceAwareness #drcerinafairfax