New England Womens Support Inc

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The Network/La Red is a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, BDSM, polyamorous, and queer communities. Rooted in anti-oppression principles, our work aims to create a world where all people are free from oppression.  We strengthen our communities through organizing, education, and the provision of support services.

 

ANTI-OPPRESSION DEFINITION + PRINCIPLES

 

The Network La Red understands oppression to be an imbalance of power intrinsically linked to the privileges bestowed on some at the expense of others, based on but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, class, ability, sexuality, religion, citizenship status, age, language capacity and history of incarceration and court involvement.

 

Partner abuse exists to achieve and maintain control, and reflects and perpetuates the larger violent culture which condones and rewards interpersonal, institutional and im­perialist abuse of power in order to control and/or exploit groups of people. The Network/La Red links domestic violence to all other forms of violence, oppression and abuse, because the values and tactics behind each are identical.

 

The Network/La Red defines anti-oppression as the beliefs, actions, and policies that aim to eliminate the imbalance of power within our society. Therefore, in order to do our work effectively, we believe that we must intentionally and consistently do the following:

 

-          Identify, confront, and take action against all forms of oppression

 

-          Root our work in the experience of survivors

 

-          Develop and encourage survivor leadership

 

-          Support the ability and right of individuals -- especially survivors --to make their own decisions

 

-          Recognize that individuals can simultaneously experience multiple forms of oppression and  

            privilege. For example, while a white lesbian experiences oppression, she also benefits

from white privilege.

 

-          Work in solidarity with other movements striving to end oppression and violence

 

-          Hold ourselves and one another accountable to these principles

 

If you or a friend needs help or wants to talk about partner abuse, call our hotline at 617-741-4911 (voice) 

or 617-227-4911 (TTY)

Find out more about the work we do, request information, or bring us for a training at www.tnlr.org