Defunding Police Is Violence Prevention
You might hear, “If we defund police, what happens to rapists & murderers?” Here’s the truth:
Police ARE the rapists & murderers
1 in 3 people killed by a stranger in the U.S. are killed by police. Excessive force and sexual misconduct are the #1 and #2 most common complaints filed against police. 40% of police self-report abusing their spouse and/or children.
Police don’t prevent or solve violent crimes
They mostly show up after harm has already occurred. FBI data shows that cops make zero arrests in 2/3 of reported rapes and more than 1/2 of reported aggravated assaults. Cops aren’t good at what they’re “supposed” to do.
Police often arrest, jail, or even kill the victim
Cops often arrest survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence who fight back against their abuser (like Cyntoia Brown) or who fear testifying against their abuser. Child sex trafficking victims are often arrested for “prostitution” instead of being helped. Too often, cops kill the person who called them or who needed help (like Ma'Khia Bryant).
Most people in prison are victims of violence
60% of people who are sent to women’s prisons have already been physically or sexually abused. In prison, 10% of men and 25% of women are sexually assaulted, including by prison guards, and trans folks are especially targeted. Prison doesn’t end violence; it only relocates and concentrates it in a place where victims can’t escape.