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The Safety Project
Why Does CARA Organize Against the Prison Industrial Complex?
The mainstream anti-rape movement became complacent with the build up of the prison industrial complex by advocating for massive incarceration as a solution to domestic and sexual violence. But very few survivors ever access the criminal system for justice. Further, when we do, the experience is often de-humanizing and counterproductive. On the other hand, the criminal system has had devastating consequences for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For example, the War On Drugs has led to the incarceration of thousands of women who are survivors of rape and domestic violence, many of whom used drugs as a coping response to violence, were manipulated by their batterers to deliver drugs, or sold drugs in order to keep their families out of poverty.
CARA believes that in order to deal with the root causes of rape and abuse we must organize for the full liberation of our communities. Because prisons are an industry that disproportionately targets communities of color, folks with disabilities, native folks, and queer and trans folks, it perpetuates more violence in our communities. Resisting prisons and building community alternatives is central to working for safer and more accountable communities.
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