Anti-violence politics originally aimed to challenge and transform systemic issues such as patriarchy, racism, and poverty. However, there has been a notable shift toward collaborating with police forces, which fundamentally contradicts the original goals of these movements. This partnership is concerning because police are typically associated with perpetuating the very systems of oppression that these movements sought to dismantle.
This transformation highlights a tension within social justice activism, as aligning with the police signifies a departure from confronting the roots of oppression. Sarah Schulman, in her book "Conflict Is Not Abuse," discusses the complexities surrounding harm, community responsibilities, and the necessity of repair, suggesting that true progress lies in addressing these systemic inequalities rather than reinforcing them through alliances with oppressive institutions.