Solidarity Statement from the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) is committed to ending violence in our communities and we demand justice in response to the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Atatiana Jefferson, and the brutal attack of Sha’Teina Grady El in Ypsilanti, MI and others who have lost loved ones to police brutality and racism.
We are feeling the weight of all of this, we acknowledge that, this is undoubtedly painful and tremendously heavy. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to the families of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Atatiana Jefferson, and others who have lost loved ones to police brutality and racism.
As an organizing body and leader in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence, MCEDSV understands that all forms of oppression are interconnected. We know that race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, class, and/or disability-based oppressions do not act independently of one another. These forms of oppression create a system of oppression that place people of color, specifically black and brown folx at greater risk for police brutality, violence, harassment, inequity, discrimination, and murder.
For over forty years, MCEDSV has been committed to pursuing anti-violence and anti- oppression work from an intersectional lens. We are committed to advocating for social justice and equality within systems that are created to oppress those of marginalized communities and dismantling structural and systemic racism.
We refuse to be silent about the current state of our country. We are outraged and disgusted by the vile and violent activity that has taken black lives. We will never achieve true equity as an anti-violence movement until anti-blackness, racism, transphobia, sexism, homophobia, ableism, and misogyny are addressed and uprooted.
MCEDSV proudly supports and is in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement. We recognize and affirm the feelings of those who are brave enough to protest and utilize their voices and sacrifice their bodies to demand justice.
MCEDSV advocates for all survivors to have peaceful and safe communities, but when communities that are already marginalized are not safe due in part to racism and discrimination, we know that survivors and communities cannot feel safe relying on these systems. As an anti-violence movement, we must be committed to dismantling systems of oppression and barriers that allow horrendous actions like these to take place.
We honor and uplift the incredible work of culturally specific agencies and individuals who have laid the foundation of our movement. Now more than ever, is the time for us to join in community and solidarity for a safer and more equitable country.
Our mission to end domestic and sexual violence also means ending racism. It is our pledge to continue to use our platform to advocate for societal level change and center our work around folx on the margins.
In Solidarity,
MCEDSV