Recognizing and Addressing Intimate Non-Personal Abuse
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By North Star Editorial and Coalition Against the Minnesota Paradox
Published on: May 24, 2025
Preamble
In the pursuit of justice and equity, it is imperative to acknowledge and address all forms of abuse, including those that occur within intimate non-personal relationships. These are relationships where individuals are made vulnerable by necessity, not by choice, yet the abuse that occurs in these settings is often rendered invisible because it doesn’t align with traditional definitions of abuse. This failure is not a gap in tradition—it is the result of deliberate exclusion. The lived realities of marginalized communities have been systematically erased from the frameworks that define what “counts” as violence or what “qualifies” as abuse. This article seeks to establish a framework that recognizes and addresses intimate non-personal abuse, ensuring that all victims receive the protection and justice they deserve.
Article I: Definition of Intimate Non-Personal Abuse
Intimate non-personal abuse refers to any form of domestic violence, sexual violence, or emotional abuse that occurs within relationships where individuals are compelled to engage, in close proximity, due to systemic structures, such as housing, employment, or healthcare, rather than personal choice. These relationships are characterized by power imbalances and vulnerabilities that are exploited by perpetrators of abuse.
Article II: Recognition of Abuse in All Forms
Abuse is abuse, irrespective of how the relationship was established or maintained. Whether the acts are domestic violence, emotional abuse, or sexual violence, they constitute abuse when the behaviors are the same or similar. It is essential to recognize that abuse can occur in various settings, including but not limited to:
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Housing Relationships: Where individuals are forced to live under conditions that may be exploitative or abusive.
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Employment Relationships: Where power dynamics are leveraged to perpetrate abuse.
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Healthcare Relationships: Where individuals are vulnerable due to their need for medical care.
Article III: Acknowledgment of Systemic Exclusion
The current infrastructure often fails to protect victims of intimate non-personal abuse, particularly those from marginalized communities. This failure is not due to a gap in tradition but is the result of deliberate exclusion. The dominant narrative has systematically erased the lived realities of these individuals, leading to a lack of recognition and support for their experiences of abuse.
Article IV: Call for Inclusive Frameworks
To address intimate non-personal abuse effectively, it is crucial to develop and implement frameworks that are inclusive and reflective of the diverse experiences of all individuals. This involves:
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Revising Definitions: Updating legal and institutional definitions of abuse to encompass all forms of intimate non-personal relationships.
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Training and Education: Providing education and training for professionals to recognize and respond to intimate non-personal abuse.
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Policy Reform: Advocating for policy changes that ensure protection and support for victims of intimate non-personal abuse.
Article V: Commitment to Action
We commit to:
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Listening to Survivors: Centering the voices and experiences of those who have been affected by intimate non-personal abuse.
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Advocating for Change: Working towards systemic changes that recognize and address intimate non-personal abuse.
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Providing Support: Ensuring that survivors have access to the resources and support they need to heal and seek justice.
Conclusion
Intimate non-personal abuse is a pervasive issue that has long been overlooked and under-addressed. By recognizing and addressing this form of abuse, we can create a more just and equitable society where all individuals are protected from harm, regardless of the nature of their relationships.
This founding article serves as a foundational document to guide future efforts in recognizing and addressing intimate non-personal abuse. It calls for a collective commitment to change and a dedication to supporting all survivors.
Related Articles:
Case Study: The Systemic Failure to Recognize Racially Motivated Abuse as a Form of Relational Abuse
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