The Guidelines

Guideline 1

Grounded in an Anti-Oppression Framework

Anti-oppression efforts are intended to undo the power imbalances that exist and are perpetuated by the societal inequalities that impact individuals, communities, and institutions worldwide. This framework advocates for the elimination of injustice and recognizes that all forms of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, classism, etc.) are interconnected. These forms of oppression support dominance and control over specific individuals and groups based on socially constructed value judgments, rather than supporting shared power, accountability, and opportunity.
In order to address oppression as a root cause of SV/DV, we must center anti-oppression work in our prevention programs and actively promote knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that support freedom, equity, and health for all people in all communities.

Oppression (Power & Control)

The term “oppression” is different from prejudice or discrimination. Oppression is power plus prejudice; a social group with more power suppresses the social, political, and economic influence of another group for its own gain. Oppression is upheld by institutions (e.g., media, government, education, healthcare, religion, financial, etc.), laws and policies, economic systems, and societal beliefs and norms.

This brief video by Eliana Pipes, called Legos and the 4 I’s of Oppression breaks down and simplifies how oppression (or “isms,” such as racism, sexism, classism, etc.) operates internally, interpersonally, institutionally, and ideologically.
Prevention through Liberation: Theory and Practice of Anti-Oppression as Primary Prevention of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence is a paper from the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. Authors suggest that any work that dismantles oppression contributes to sexual and domestic violence prevention.
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s At the Intersections resource compilation explores oppression as the root cause of sexual violence.
The Action Alliance’s infographic, How Oppressive Systems Connect, illustrates examples of how gender-based violence is driven by white supremacy, sexism, heterosexism, and capitalism.
Futures Without Violence created this Connecting the Dots video series to highlight the connection between racism, oppression, and sexual and domestic violence.