Isolating Gender Violence: A Requirement for Overcoming Gender Violence

Feminists, along with men and women who have supported victims of gender violence, frequently face attacks and slander. These actions, orchestrated by harassers and their supporters, are aimed at isolating the victims and their allies, leaving them defenseless. This isolation prevents victims from speaking out due to fears of retaliation, re-victimization, and social pressure, thus perpetuating a cycle of silence. Isolating gender violence refers to the deliberate efforts to socially, emotionally, or professionally isolate victims of gender violence and those who stand by them. By isolating the victims, their support systems are weakened, making it harder for them to seek justice or share their experiences. The goal of Isolating Gender Violence (IGV) is to render victims powerless and maintain silence about their experiences, thereby allowing gender violence to continue unchecked.

Sociological research by feminist scholars has demonstrated that only by protecting those who defend victims can we effectively address and reduce gender violence. The concept of IGV has been extensively theorized, providing insights into its causes and consequences. Recognizing the impact of IGV, the Catalan Parliament became the first legislative body in Europe, and globally, to incorporate this form of violence into its legislation. This historic move strengthens the legal framework for supporting victims and those who stand with them in solidarity. This communication highlights the importance of systemic protections, only by ending the isolation of victims and their allies to effectively combat gender violence and ensure that victims feel empowered to come forward and seek justice.