The Femicide Census has revealed a harrowing reality: over the last 15 years, 2,000 women in the United Kingdom have been killed by men. This chilling statistic underscores the pervasive nature of violence against women, particularly older women, whose suffering often goes unnoticed. The statute of limitations for cases involving such violence is 15 years, recognizing that trauma requires time to process and that justice must remain accessible over time.
Nguyen, a co-founder of the Femicide Census, poses a critical question about the patterns of violence observed: why do younger men commit acts of sexual and sustained violence against elderly women they do not know? This inquiry points to a disturbing undercurrent of misogyny within these crimes.
"We have to ask why we see the use of sexual and sustained violence against elderly women who are unknown to the much younger men who kill them. The misogynistic intent in these killings is clear." – Co-founder of the Femicide Census
As Nguyen successfully advocates for victims' rights, including the preservation of rape kits until the statute of limitations expires, she reflects on her personal ordeal. Assaulted at age 22, she was burdened with a hospital bill amounting to $4,863.79 for her rape kit and associated medical procedures. Her fight has extended to ensuring that victims do not bear the financial burden of their trauma.
"The statute of limitations is 15 years because it recognises that trauma takes time to process. It allows a victim to revisit that justice. But destroying the rape kit after six months prevents a survivor from being able to access vital evidence." – Nguyen
Democratic Women’s Caucus: A Symbolic Protest
In a striking display of dissent, members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) chose to protest during former President Trump’s address by wearing pink—a color imbued with symbolism.
"Pink is a color of power and protest." – Teresa Leger Fernández
However, the intended message was muddled. While some lawmakers donned pink to signify resistance, others wore different colors, such as blue and yellow in support of Ukraine and black for other causes. This lack of coordination diluted the impact of their demonstration, leaving observers questioning the protest's clarity.
House Democratic leadership had urged members to avoid protests and exercise restraint during Trump's speech. Nevertheless, the DWC persisted with their sartorial statement, albeit with mixed results.
Meanwhile, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin was chosen to deliver the Democratic response to Trump's speech. Known for her centrist stance, Slotkin is often described as a 'sensible centrist voice' by media outlets. Despite this reputation, she has frequently aligned with Trump’s policies and voted with Republicans on key issues.
A Shift in Democratic Strategy
The Democratic Party's strategy appears to be undergoing a subtle transformation. Observers note an apparent shift toward the right while maintaining a low profile as they await any implosion within the Trump administration.
"The people don't want a phony Democrat. If it's a choice between a genuine Republican, and a Republican in Democratic clothing, the people will choose the genuine article, every time." – Harry Truman
Slotkin's voting record reflects this ideological drift. She was among 42 Democrats who voted with Republicans to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its actions against Israeli leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
This alignment raises questions about the party’s commitment to progressive values and its willingness to confront contentious issues on the international stage.
Addressing Systemic Issues
The discussion around violence against women and political strategy extends beyond individual actions or speeches. It calls for systemic change and introspection regarding societal values and political priorities.
António Guterres’ observation on misogyny highlights an alarming trend where equal rights initiatives coexist with pervasive prejudices.
"The mainstreaming of equal rights, we are seeing the mainstreaming of misogyny." – António Guterres
Efforts by individuals like Nguyen spotlight the ongoing battle for justice and recognition for victims of violence. Her advocacy for preserving evidence and alleviating financial burdens on survivors is crucial in addressing systemic barriers.