What is Transformative Justice (TJ)?

Great question, click here for more info.

Why do you work with perpetrators?

.Our work with perpetrators of sexual assault is grounded in the belief that individual and collective liberation is intertwined. We have a dire need to be able to deal with cases of interpersonal violence in ways that are consistent with our visions for a more just world. Because turning to the police, the courts, and the penal system in response to incidents of

violence ends up perpetuating that very violence, it is essential that we explore alternative methods of responding to sexual assault. Our work with perpetrators is fundamentally about supporting survivors. It stems from a belief that behavioral transformation is possible and necessary for us to imagine the world we want to live in. And unlike punitive justice, it seeks to prevent assault by cultivating a culture of consent.

How do perpetrators come to you?

Perpetrators are referred to us by survivors, friends, and bystanders of violence. They also often come to us on their own.

Can I start an accountability process with you?

First, are you  in Philly? We currently will only engage in a full process with people we can meet with regularly in person. We may be able to have a phone date or two for out-of-towners. Please contact us for more info.

Do you work with the criminal “justice” system?

We believe that the criminal justice system perpetuates violence.
We work to create a world where the modern justice system does not exist.  That said, we will support a survivor in pursuing any means of recourse they deem necessary. It has not yet occurred that PSU has worked with a perpetrator who is involved in a legal process.

What do you do when someone doesn’t want to be accountable?

People engage with us on a voluntary basis.
We will use any available leverage—including calling on their community to urge them to work with us—to maintain their investment in the process.  When a person is completely unwilling to engage, it is outside the sphere of our efforts.

How do I start up a group in my community?

Check out our zine. And email us with your questions!
And keep an eye out for the national network.

What does an accountability process look like?

Each process is unique based on the specificities of the situation. A process is typically shaped by incidents reported by a survivor, 3rd party, or the perpetrators themselves. A basic model usually goes something like this: 1) Accepting the reality of harm done; 2) Recognizing behavioral patterns; 3) Creating strategies for undoing these patterns. 

How long does a process last?

This is very dependent on the situation.

We recognize that learning to build and maintain healthy relationships is a lifelong process. There is no “stamp of approval” that declares a perpetrator healed

Who does the collective serve?

We work primarily with the communities that the members of the group inhabit, which includes the queer and/or radical and/or punk communities of Philadelphia.

What is the involvement of a survivor in an accountability process with a perpetrator?

Our work is premised on the philosophy that it is not the work of a survivor to hold a perpetrator accountable. The participation of a survivor is valued, but is not required.

Why do you use the word survivor?

We use the term survivor with the intention of using language that restores power to someone who has had power taken away from them. It's a response to the older common term “victim” which only served to amplify the negative connotations heaped onto someone affected by sexual assault. To read more on this, check out our language piece.

Why do you use the word perpetrator?

We use this term because we feel that it represents a recognition that someone did something, not is something. It gives the opportunity for change while recognizing that their actions have hurt someone. Both language choices are laden with contradictions. To read more on this, check out our language piece.