Where abolition meets action: women organizing against gender violence

Abstract

The last decade has seen a growing movement toward abolishing prisons. At the same time, antiviolence organizers have called on prison abolitionists to take the issue of gender violence seriously and to develop initiatives to address it in the context of prison abolition. Fueled by increasing recognition that women of color, immigrant, queer, transgender, poor, and other marginalized women are often further brutalized – rather than protected – by the police, grassroots groups, and activists throughout the world, are organizing community alternatives to calling 911. Such initiatives, however, are not new. Throughout history, women have acted and organized to ensure their own and their loved ones' safety. This article examines both past and present models of women's community self‐defense practices against interpersonal violence. By exploring methods women have employed to protect themselves, their loved ones, and communities, this article seeks to contribute to the current conversations on how to promote safety and accountability without resorting to state‐based policing and prisons.