Redefining Domestic Violence and Abuse
In 2014, #WhyIStayed/#WhyILeft went viral. This is one of the most prominent examples of online consciousness-raising, but this is only one part of a much larger conversation about domestic violence that has been a key component of fourth wave feminism. This consciousness-raising movement shared first-person narratives of domestic abuse survivors, specifically those stories that did not fit society’s stereotypical idea of domestic violence. This movement spread awareness and understanding in an unapologetic way unique to the fourth wave of feminism.
Over the timeframe of 2010-2021, the academic and social definitions of domestic violence have changed to include more nonphysical acts of violence. However, legislation has been changed back and forth to include more or fewer types of domestic abuse, lacking consistency or clarity as to the true legal definition. During Obama’s presidency, actions were taken to make the definition of domestic abuse broader to cover more forms of abuse; however, during Trump’s presidency, Obama’s efforts were erased as the definition was once again limited to only physical acts of violence. This section will detail the consciousness-raising efforts that took place during this fourth wave of feminism as well as the consequences of these changing legal definitions.