Intersections of Violence and Oppression

Domestic and gender-based violence does not happen in a vacuum. The Initiative examines domestic and gender-based violence through an intersectional lens. We consider how different aspects of a person’s identity—such as race, gender, income, or disability—can increase the likelihood of being targeted for violence. Our identities can also create additional barriers to accessing support and resources and contributes to the ways people can be re-victimized when seeking help. Research indicates that a significant portion of youth in foster care, including runaways and those identifying as LGBTQ+, are targeted by sex traffickers and forced into illegal activities. “Forced criminality” is used as a tactic to control these youths, prevent them from seeking help, and keep them in abusive and violent situations.  

Many survivors are also criminalized for their attempts to fight back or resist their abuse.