The presence of domestic violence tells us about the presence of inequality in the relationship; the extent of the violence tells us about the extent of the inequality. All cultures have gender inequality, the degree of inequality differs, the space to push against the boundaries differs, and the rigidity with which these structures are maintained differs. Inequality isn’t necessarily abusive, only when it’s used to cause harm and suffering, to assert power and control in repeatedly violent ways.

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Defending Criminalized Survivors Workshop

Defending Criminalized Survivors Workshop

What happens when the laws that are supposed to protect survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault become turned against them? Survivors can be criminalized for reacting in self-defense, participating in criminal activity under their abusers’ coercion, or for failing to protect their children from witnessing or being impacted by violence in the home. Survivors of color, who struggle with mental health or substance dependency, or who otherwise don’t fold the “perfect victim” mold are disproportionately incarcerated. In this workshop, API-GBV will be joined by Hyejin Shim and Neda Said of Survived & Punished, who will guide participants through a discussion of the criminalization of survivors, and how advocates can support criminalized survivors.

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API-GBV

June 2009

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