Abolitionist strategies for addressing gender-based violence

I was recently part of a group of researchers collaborating with Abolitionist Futures to create a resource called ‘Addressing gender-based violence: carceral reforms vs abolitionist strategies.’ The resource is designed as a discussion tool for people, groups and organisations who want to think through how to tackle gender-based violence without using or bolstering the criminal legal system.

The resource has two parts: (1) a chart, that compares carceral reforms and abolitionist strategies; and (2) a booklet, that explains each strategy in more detail and considers the strengths and pitfalls of different approaches. You can download the resource here, along with a discussion guide to use if you’d like to facilitate a discussion group using it.

The resource will be formally launched on June 4th with an online event featuring speakers Lola Olufemi, Leah Cowan and frontline worker Billy. All welcome but please do register to attend here.

There are also a number of discussion groups focused on the resource coming over the summer. The first one is being held online and hosted by Abolitionist Futures on June 25th (register here). I am also co-facilitating a group in Newcastle on June 26th, on behalf of the Abolition Feminism for Ending Sexual Violence Collective (register here – it would be lovely to see some followers of this blog in person if you are in the area!) Other groups to be confirmed later. You can also facilitate your own groups and there is a guide to help you, as mentioned above.