Citation

Brush LD. Violence Against Women 1997; 3(3): 237-256.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12319741

Abstract

This article presents a response to the complaint about the moralistic character of feminist effort to restructure harm. Focus is given to the claim that moralism is both explicable and strategically desirable in feminist antiviolence. Moreover, it also argues the complaint about moralism, which is disingenuous, to the extent that it ignores differences in women's vulnerability to harm from threats and violence. Contemporary feminist strategies to stop violence against women have revealed a profound conflict of interest among women. Feminists have mobilized moral outrage, built institutions to protect and nurture women, and demanded resources for policing and healing by drawing attention to the harms caused by violence against women. However, many women, especially young, heterosexual women, are alienated by a discourse of victimization that reflects neither their experiences nor their interests. Through an analysis of welfare reform, it links harm to a broader context that includes issues of economic opportunity, reproductive rights, and political parity.

Language: en