I'm really enjoying what you've been posting, and this one in particular resonates with me. I’ve had an ongoing situation since last summer with a former partner who has some serious mental health issues. My friends always ask me why I don’t just get a restraining order, but all that would do is agitate the situation. The police have been aware of this situation and involved the entire time (whether or not I’ve wanted them to be) and I’m no safer because of it. They aren’t equipped to deal with mental health issues. But I don’t really know what the alternative is. I’m not sure I agree with eradicating the police entirely, though I’m skeptical that there’s any way to make meaningful reform, either. This is how bad the situation is even when you're coming from a position of privilege.
On a lighter note, I just posted about you and a few other really good newbies that I’ve found on this thread, if you’re interested.
Hey Mallory - thanks for posting. I can definitely relate. I've lived with people who have had mental health issues and involving police never helps.
Are there any community related options available to you? I know here in DC there are mental health hotlines that you can call and actually someone on this thread posted about a new app called get cell 411 that looks like it could be a great alternative to involving the police!
The idea of eradicating police is definitely a tough one to swallow but one that we should consider, particularly with issues of mental health - also with regards to your own safety in those situations.
Will take a look at your posts - thanks again for commenting!
Get cell 411 looks like a great idea. Unfortunately it doesn't look like it's in my area yet (Los Angeles), but I'll download and spread the word.
Not to plug my stuff on your comment section, but this post that I made the other day might be in line with your interests. It's about how the same pharmaceutical company that manufactured the first AIDS medication also allowed members of marginalized communities to die by overcharging for it when they didn't need to, which then caused the virus to hit epidemic proportions. The subtext of course is that unrestrained corporate greed in the industry that we rely on to save our lives is not only immoral but can result in absolute catastrophe.