Supporting Black Lives Matter shouldn’t be controversial, but it is. Unfortunately, even the most reasonable expressions of solidarity have led to punishment from reactionary politicians and police!
Even survivors of domestic violence are being punished for it.
A number of agencies across several states that help those who have been impacted by domestic violence have had politicians and police cut ties with them because they expressed support for Black Lives Matter. This punishes people in need in a cruel way.
One Wisconsin county went as far as to cut funding from a shelter because they put up Black Lives Matter signs and released a supportive statement! Now, women who call the police for help will not be referred to this shelter. These are things police shouldn’t be able to do!
Police, who are largely overfunded, shouldn’t be able to negatively impact those in need for condemning police brutality. Pandemic-related issues make domestic violence more threatening, and these police are making it worse by sending a clear message.
Police themselves have a domestic violence problem among officers, as well as a problem with sexual abuse in departments. Organizations who specialize in solving these problems should not be punished for being critical of police who don’t solve them!