Helen Long

Trigger warning: measures to prevent sexual assault

I have learnt that people who are politically conscious in one way are not necessarily socially conscious, or even friendly.  Class activist circles can become old boys clubs, and peace camps can become safe havens for sexual harassers. Pollution pressure groups can make dirty remarks, and non-human animal liberation campaign materials can dehumanise women. Even humanitarian relief teams are routinely reminded how not to sexually exploit people.  Activists in general can resist distance figures of authority, while coercion and dominance take place closer to home.

No, the end of capitalism/ war/ corporate power/ vivisection or earthquakes will not bring about gender inequality.  Only feminism will do that.  Saying otherwise undermines women and other minority voices.  I know this to be the case, as I waqs staying in a camp when a woman was assaulted there.  I have encountered much sexist behaviour in other groups too.

Survivors of sexual violence usually know their attacker. Worldwide 35% of women are believed to have experienced sexual and/ or domestic violence.  These facts force us to consider how likely it is that there are both perpetrators and victims within our own activist milieu.  I in no way suggest that everyone become a suspect, but rather that everyone takes initiative.  Assuming violence is only committed by outsiders is similar to the militaristic narrative that evil can only be committed by opponents. In reality we each fight ...