Why Would Feminists Trust the Police? at Bookhaus
Headfirst Editor's Pick

"“The police aren’t feminist, and the law does not keep women safe.” Leah Cowan lays down some hard truths about our misplaced faith in patriarchal police, prisons and the legal system. Her scathing search for reform, resistance and meaningful justice touches on Sarah Everard, Prince Andrew, transgender prison wings and more. "

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See event details

A event held at Bookhaus on Tuesday 25th June. The event starts at 18:00.


A tangled history of feminism’s complicity and resistance

Every week it seems there is a fresh scandal involving abhorrent, racist, misogynist behaviour by police officers. Yet these are the very people women are supposed to approach for help when faced with violence. And many feminists, hoping to use the criminal justice system to protect women, fight for stronger laws and longer sentences for those who harm them.

Why Would Feminists Trust the Police? traces the history of British feminism’s alliances and struggles with the law and its enforcers. Drawing on the legacy of Black British feminism, Leah Cowan reminds us of the vibrant and creative alternatives envisioned by those who have long known the truth: the police aren’t feminist, and the law does not keep women safe.

Leah will be in conversation here at bookhaus. Tickets cost £6 and include a glass of wine or a soft drink and £2 off the book.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions

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