content warning for triggering material, including violence against women, sexual violence, misogyny, child abuse, racism, ableism, transphobia, patriarchy, & violence against animals.

this article was written based upon my professional and unpaid experience working in the areas of family, poverty & disability law, as well as my independent research and participation in local community organizing.

intentions

this is an article attempting to explain the systemic patterns of violence committed against animals.

this is not an article for equating animal abuse to violence against women and/or sexual violence against humyns.
this is not an article for prioritizing animal cruelty above other experiences of abuse and harm between humyns.
this is not an article intended to appropriate the work and legitimacy of campaigns to end gender-based violence for the purposes of discussing violence against animals.

this disclaimer is really important to acknowledge right at the beginning because there are countless examples of historic & ongoing efforts of animal advocacy that completely disrespect, tokenize and perpetuate efforts to end violence against women.
while this should not discourage folks from still trying to unpack the complexities of violence against animals, this should mean these conversations need to be approached in a manner that is actively accounting for its unfortunate reputation of consistently co-opting with oppressive patriarchal ideals. Continue reading →