Sexism and Abuse in Activist Circles

Sharing an article that provides an initial discussion about the dynamics of abuse of women by men, and life after abuse in activist circles. It also highlights how everyone in the circle is involved in these dynamics, to the detriment of the victim. We don't have community accountability systems in place to deal with this elephant in the activist room, and because the activist scenes are male dominated and patriarchal - the issue will continue to be ignored unless women victims of abuse force the discussion, and men who claim to be "down", make a conscious effort (that includes serious self-revision!) to deal with the problem. How many decades of women activist will need to cry out over the same thing?
When will our work space cease to be a mere microcosm, a reproduction in denial of itself - of the world we are trying so hard to make more just?

Below is a brief quote - but just click on the tittle to read full article.

Activist Scenes are No Safe Space for Women: On Abuse of Activist Women by Activist Men

by via Tamara K. Nopper
Wednesday Jun 20th, 2007 2:50 AM

"As a woman who has experienced physical and emotional abuse from men, some of whom I had long relationships with, it is always difficult to learn from other activist women that they are being abused by activist men.

The interrelated issues of sexism, misogyny and homophobia in activist circles is rampant, so it is unsurprising that women are abused physically and emotionally by activist men with whom they work with on various projects.

...

Overall, activist scenes are no safe space for women because misogynists and abusive men exist within them. More, many of these abusers use the language, tools of activism and support by other activists as means to abuse women and conceal their behavior. And unfortunately, in a lot of political circles, regardless of how much we talk about patriarchy or misogyny, women are sacrificed in order to keep up “the work” or save the organization. Perhaps it is time we actually just care that activist women are vulnerable to being manipulated and abused by activist males and consider that addressing this is an integral part of the “work” that activists must do."