Reader with a Cause discussion

Rebecca Solnit makes a strong case against gender-based violence throughout this book. In “The Longest War,” she writes the following:

“There is, however, a pattern of violence against women that’s broad and deep and horrific and incessantly overlooked.” (p. 20)

And then she goes on to say:

“We have an abundance of rape and violence against women in this country and on this Earth, though it's almost never treated as a civil rights or human rights issue, or a crisis, or even a pattern. Violence doesn't have a race, a class, a religion, or a nationality, but it does have a gender.” (The Longest War, p. 21)

While we agree that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of race, class, ability, gender identity, or any other identifier, we also know that violence disproportionately affects these groups, as well. Do you think Solnit’s quote diminishes the reality of all oppressions?

How have you seen these intersections impact gender-based violence? What additional barriers do they create?

How do you think we all can better support survivors living at these intersections?