Beyond Carceral Solutions : Using Transformative Human Rights Education in Domestic Violence Prevention

Abstract

Domestic violence is a choice a person makes to gain and exert absolute power and control over another person. Unfortunately, the predominant structure for addressing domestic violence - the criminal justice system - is rife with problematic social and structural constructs, like patriarchy, white supremacy, and neoliberalism, which are themselves rooted in issues of power and control (Acheson, 2022). The influence of these factors, which are largely defined by exploitative hierarchies, helps to explain why domestic violence remains prevalent. To more effectively address and prevent domestic violence, research suggests that comprehensive policy and curricular reform are necessary on multiple levels of the socio-ecology (Lorettu et al., 2021). When the primary intervention for domestic violence reproduces oppressive conditions, alternatives are needed. Domestic violence preventionists must seek community-based measures in order to divest from the carceral system. Through an abolitionist, feminist perspective, this field project explores the preventative and, in some cases, healing possibilities offered by transformative human rights education. To aid in these efforts, this field project is a handbook that intends to provide guidance to facilitators of violence prevention in creating what I call “Community Action and Transformation (CAT) groups” that hold space for both trauma and joy and allow community members to learn about, practice, and implement freedom