---
title: Carceral Feminism Isn’t the Answer to Sexual Violence
date: 2023-04-28T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/carceral-feminism-isnt-the-answer-to-sexual-violence"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Carceral Feminism Isn’t the Answer to Sexual Violence

This essay powerfully articulates the abolitionist feminist perspective, with a searing indictment of how the criminal legal system offers a false promise to survivors, often criminalizing us and furthering the violence we experience. It also challenges activists to consider healing and accountability outside of police and prisons through the lens of abolitionist feminism. Regardless of your views on the appropriate response to sexual violence perpetrators, this article will make you think about unconventional possibilities.

> While the left has generally advocated curbing prison expansion and shrinking the scale of the police state, many have held on to the belief that prisons remain a necessary feature of our society for people who have committed uniquely violent acts, in particular rape and murder. In refusing to ground in an abolitionist politic, the left has been complicit in our continued reliance on the prison-industrial complex.

[Read the full article ](https://novaramedia.com/2022/02/15/carceral-feminism-isnt-the-answer-to-sexual-violence/)

SOURCE: Novara Media • AUTHOR: Caren Holmes • LAST UPDATED: February 15, 2022

![rodnae-productions-6069469](data:image/png;base64,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) RODNAE Productions/Pexels

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ ending gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/ending-gender-based-violence)
- [criminal legal system](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/criminal-legal-system)
- [public policy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/public-policy)
- [sexual violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-violence)
- [incarceration](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/incarceration)
- [feminism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/feminism)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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This document outlines what attorneys and advocates need to know as they counsel people who are maneuvering the complex intersection of abortion access, the immigration system, and the criminal legal system.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-rights-for-immigrant-survivors)

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## Aging & Inequity

Economic insecurity and inequity magnify over time for many women, especially marginalized women. What policies could address this problem?

![mehmet-turgut-kirkgoz-11890772](data:image/png;base64,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)

Economic insecurity and inequity magnify over time for many women, especially marginalized women. What policies could address this problem?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/aging-and-inequity)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

![Pexels andrea piacquadio ptsd scaled e1661796367968 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[ResourcesRead

## Avoiding Coercion in the Promotion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).

![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-fsl8vtn2U1k-1024x769](data:image/png;base64,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)

This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/avoiding-coercive-promotion-of-long-acting-reversible-contraceptives-larcs)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)