-Maria Elena Martinez, Local Council member, Alma de Mujer

This is one of my favorite definitions of violence that I have received in the many interviews I have done. It is simple and elastic; and by that I mean it is clear and to the point while resisting the impulse to be rigid in the criteria of what is and is not violence.  Many people’s own definition of violence, and certainly the definition of violence in the law, creates a very narrow idea of what violence is. The problem then becomes that many people’s, many groups’ experience of violence and harm because of racism, patriarchy, transphobia, homophobia, class exploitation, xenophobia, and ableism do not get recognized in the many forms they often come. Racist violence does not always come in the form of a lynching. Misogynistic violence does not always manifest in rape. Transphobic and homophobic violence does not always look like street harassment.

Maria Elena Martinez’s definition creates a space where we might recognize and acknowledge the many forms of harm a person can encounter.  Whatever language you use: soul, spirit, divine spark, or humanity; Martinez’s comment asks us to consider what institutional, group, and individual actions that denies or minimizes a person’s or group’s sacredness or humanity we may be witness to or participating in. At the very least, her quote asks us to reflect on how we come to define violence and what effect that might have on other folks.