In the realm of mental health, Diamond Jenkins—Licensed Professional Counselor, Batterer Interventionist, Certified Yoga Teacher, and Acudetox Specialist—is making it her mission to reshape how men approach conflict and relationships. As a batterer interventionist, she specializes in helping men shift their mindsets, guiding them toward safe and constructive ways to handle conflict. Her work is particularly crucial in light of a disturbing reality: Black women are six times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner compared to white women, and intimate partner violence (IPV) is the leading cause of death for young Black women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Despite these alarming statistics, domestic violence remains a topic often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, particularly within Black communities. There is a deep lack of education surrounding domestic violence, and addressing it requires both awareness and direct intervention. Jenkins is not only working with men to change harmful behaviors but is also committed to educating teens and women about the warning signs of IPV, providing crucial support for those navigating their healing journeys.

Recognizing the need for open dialogue and professional guidance, Jenkins has partnered with another clinician specializing in couples therapy to develop a groundbreaking mental health panel event scheduled for 2026. Inspired by the format of the popular podcast Tonight’s Conversations, this event will take things a step further by featuring licensed and certified professionals within the community.

The goal? To provide real, practical advice from experts who understand the complexities of relationships, mental health, and domestic violence from both clinical and cultural perspectives.

By bringing together mental health professionals, survivors, and advocates, the panel aims to create a space where difficult conversations can lead to real solutions. This initiative is not just about raising awareness; it’s about equipping people—especially men—with the tools to change, heal, and build healthier relationships.

For too long, domestic violence has been viewed as an issue that only affects women, when in reality, it’s a societal problem that requires men to be part of the solution. Many men who engage in abusive behaviors have never been taught healthy ways to express emotions or navigate conflict. Jenkins’ work is about breaking those cycles—challenging harmful norms and offering men a pathway to growth, accountability, and emotional intelligence.

At the same time, education remains a key factor in preventing domestic violence before it starts. By working with teens and women to recognize the early signs of abuse, this initiative seeks to empower individuals to make informed choices, seek help, and support each other in the process.

With the 2026 panel event in the works, this initiative represents a much-needed step toward addressing domestic violence and mental health within the Black community. Conversations about abuse, healing, and growth are long overdue, and with licensed professionals like Diamond Jenkins leading the charge, this movement has the potential to create lasting change.

Domestic violence is not inevitable—it is preventable. And through education, intervention, and open dialogue, Jenkins is helping to lead the way.