NOTE (TW: homophobia): On May 23, 2021, a part of this episode, in which the interviewee compares public opinion toward gay people and sex offenders has been removed. This comparison is a deeply harmful one, given the ugly history of criminalizing and demonizing gay people as sexual predators in America. As the executive producer of this episode, I (Sarika Ram) should not have included the interviewee's comments drawing on this hateful rhetoric. I am sincerely sorry for the harm that my editorial choices caused.
As police and prison abolition comes to the forefront of the national conversation, many folks ask—what about rape? How can a world without police and prisons effectively address sexual violence? The truth is that the current approach has failed to address the root causes of sexual violence and prevent recidivism. In this episode, we’ll hear Bill’s story and his experience as both a survivor and perpetrator of sexual violence. This conversation may be difficult for folks to hear, but it’s essential that we critique the criminal legal system not just in the context “petty crime” or “nonviolent drug offenses,” but in even in cases of deep, often irreparable harm. Criminalized is grateful to those of you are open to this conversation and understanding of those of you who may not be.