Midwest Unrest
Statement Against Sexual Assault

Over the past few months anarchists in Chicago have been faced with two sexual
assaults perpetrated by members of our community. In one case a member of Midwest
Unrest was accused of assaulting his girlfriend. Because of his actions this
individual has been told he can no longer be a member of our collective. We are in
the process of dealing with this assault through mediation techniques demanded by
the survivor of the assault.

Midwest Unrest is against all forms of sexual assault and violence and stands in
solidarity with all survivors of sexual assault. We vow to work in our collective,
our communities and our movements to end the patriarchy, sexism and machismo that
create the conditions for such assaults to occur.

We urge all people to confront these conditions head on in the hope that other
assaults can be prevented. We also urge people to discuss sexual assault and to
prepare methods for dealing with sexual assault when it occurs in their lives and
communities. Our communities must be safe spaces where all people can feel free and
safe from sexual predators.

We hope that other activists will adopt stances and practices against sexual
assault. We believe this will add strength and confidence to survivors of sexual
assault who may otherwise be afraid to confront their attackers.

Midwest Unrest, Chicago
www.midwestunrest.net
Midwest_unrest (at) riseup.net