Monday, September 20, 2010

DA further victimizes victim of abuse

Things don't look good in Calumet County, Wisconsin. Their district attorney sent lewd, suggestive, downright creepy text messages to a victim of abuse whose abuser he was prosecuting! Now, let's hope nothing like this ever happens in our communities, but it does provide an interesting opportunity to consider how we would respond to such a gross violation of power. Just a couple ideas:
  1. The victim who was harassed by the DA will need further support and affirmation. Her experience was clearly not valued by the DA and so it is even more important to let her know that she matters and her experience matters. 
  2. The DA plans to run for re-election. If this was in our communities it would be an opportunity to involve yourselves in the election. Let people know that a vote for him is a vote for his behaviour and thus a vote against supporting victims of abuse.
  3. While this is a terrible story, it is also a teachable moment. The DA's actions have legitimized viewing women as objects and that must be confronted. This is an opportunity to begin community conversations about the the connection between objectification and physical violence. 
Any other thoughts? How would you all confront this within your own agencies, communities?

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