Transforming Rapists?

While reading through Williams’ article, “A Look at Feminist Forms of Justice That Don’t Involve the Police,” I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with much of her analysis, as well as several of the tactics many feminist groups have used to respond to sexual assault. With the way women of colour, trans women and queer women are repeatedly abused and neglected by the police, it makes total sense to me that giving up on police involvement altogether is the only viable solution for combatting systemic sexual violence. However, learning about some of the ways feminist groups have dealt with perpetrators, particularly with regard to “transformative,” as opposed to retributional justice, left me feeling confused and defiant. The idea that perpetrators might deserve a chance to redeem themselves, let alone that this atonement is possible was baffling to me. But, after spending some time processing my reactions, I think my anger stems more from my own personal biases than the action itself. 

Williams’ defines transformative justice as methods that hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions, while also teaching them and the other community members why these actions are wrong, and sometimes giving the perpetrator a chance to enter back into that community, as long as they are able to atone for what they did. Although the article highlights the fact that many feminists disagree with this tactic, Williams’ also asserts that this method may contribute to “building a community where robust accountability is possible, expected, and likely.” 

As a sexual assault survivor, I’ve often fantasized about confronting my perpetrator, or at least knowing that he is haunted by his actions. I have never fantasized about my perpetrator learning from his mistakes and bettering himself as a person, nor have I ever felt a desire to forgive him. Although I do not agree with the literal sentiment, I have always felt a sense of power after seeing “kill your local rapist” street art around the city. I’m not sure that I would feel the same sense of justice toward an “educate your local rapist” slogan. Of course, I understand that this isn’t what Williams’ is advocating for, either. The feminist communities that work toward collective accountability do not seem at all dismissive of the assault survivors’ anger or fear, and it is clear that the perpetrator is meant to work toward rebuilding a sense of safety within a community. 

Why am I so uncomfortable with a method that seems both more attainable and beneficial to dismantling rape culture? I think at least one aspect of this is my desire to dehumanize abusers. If I believe only one-dimensional monsters are capable of abuse, being abused feels easier to avoid. However, truly believing that perpetrators are capable of learning from their mistakes and re-fostering a safe space means I need to acknowledge that they are in fact complex human beings, and thus anyone is capable of assault. Logically, I know this is the reality whether I want to believe it or not. That being said, I think the idea that perpetrators can learn and in some instances may even want to, is key to truly confronting systemic violence. Preventative education so that people know how not to abuse is important, but the reality is a large minority of people have already abused, and will continue to do so without any kind of intervention. If we refuse to educate perpetrators, and re-integrate them into communities, is change still possible? Is it worth it if survivors feel unsafe in the process?