Rape is Bad

Recently, I was participating in a state wide planning meeting - and we decided we needed to come up with a quick and easy to understand definition for us to use with people who don't work in this field but who we need to understand why what we do is so important.

I suggested "rape is bad."

They liked it, but ultimately decided to go with one that was a tad more informative.

But, at the heart of it all - just remember "rape is bad."

For those of you who don't have the history on this movement - here's the quick version. During the late 60s and early 70s, we experienced what is often referred to as the second wave of feminism. Women were getting together and discussing their lives. Many found they shared a history of sexual and domestic abuse. From these discussions, groups formed to bring attention to the issue of abuse -- and to create services for the abused. The first rape crisis centers were very grassroots and varied greatly by community. During the late 70s, 80s, and 90s rape crisis and domestic violence centers opened across the country. Now, most communities in the US have some form of response to violence against women/children.

But, the influence of this movement has also marked a change in our thinking about crime. We have moved away from thinking of prisons as solely places to reform criminals and more like places where reform can take place, but that the function is also that of public safety by keeping criminals away from the general public. We also have seen the rise of "victim rights" thereby improving the experience victims of any crime.

These days, you can find that most sexual abuse or domestic abuse centers are professionalized while still holding on to many of the grassroots ideals. You will also find that the public understanding of abuse has grown tremendously - and that currently there is a real push to make these organizations responsible business partners with governments and the community.

So, blog against abuse. Donate your time, expertise, money, resources, or voice to your local agency. Vote for leaders and judges who will protect the rights of victims. Or, simply know how to get in touch with your local agency just in case you ever have a friend who needs the information.