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۞ Thoughts on the best manner in holding accountable and exposing predatory figures in our communities. [THREAD]
First of all, I absolutely recognize the necessity and utmost importance of exposing and holding accountable any figure, especially one of influence, who poses a threat to the safety and well-being of any member of the community. [1/26]
Unfortunately, because of the lack of any system or structure of accountability, the way I've seen such exposé's being made in the past few years, although perhaps necessary because of no viable alternative, falls short in many ways. [2/26]
The exposé is usually done by individuals with varying degrees of credibility, often random people with no credibility at all. Even when the claims are true, and we do believe them, because of their lack of credibility, it leaves room for people to doubt the claims. [3/26]
This can actually be counterproductive in some instances, because the people who doubt the claims can go so far as defending and supporting the alleged predatory figure, which may put him/her in a position for further abuse. [4/26]
A problem also arises because of the way people appeal to the Sharīʿah's (legitimate) provisions on privacy, such as the imperative to hide a fellow believers sins and private conversations between two parties being an amānah (trust). [5/26]
It is important to recognize, and I think many people may not, that this culture of taking screenshots of private correspondence and publically displaying them (for whatever reason) is highly problematic, as even they are an amānah. [6/26]
So that leaves the question for what would be the best way in dealing with potential cases of abuse and predatory behavior that takes all of the above into account? [7/26]
I think there has to be an organization or institution that is tasked with handling such affairs, which has a clear and transparent criterion and standards by which they handle such claims, and enjoys widespread credibility and support by the community. [8/26]
This body would be able to avoid the problem of credibility, bias, and personal agendas that can be levelled against any one individual making an exposé. It can also ensure that such an exposé is done professionally and with due process in mind. [9/26]
Any victim, or anyone who has a claim, could forward their concerns to this authority to take further steps. This would also help protect the privacy of victims, which is of prime importance. [10/26]
This authority can also collect the necessary evidence required - personal testimony, private correspondence, witnesses, and so forth - and use it to come to proper conclusions and formulate a press release, without having to make that evidence public. [11/26]
In the case that the claims are found to be legitimate, and are perhaps corroborated, the authority can then take the necessary measures that are a part of their protocol (all of which is transparent to the public). [12/26]
If the behavior is severe enough to warrant legal action, that could be to bring in higher authorities (if it has not been done already). In cases of potential further harm to the community or its members, the behavior can be exposed and made widely known. [13/26]
If for whatever reason the claims do not hold any weight, or it is determined that the problematic behavior is a private affair that has no public or communal consequences, nothing would need to be made public. Steps could be taken to help reform or help the individual. [14/26]
It is important to mention that if the situation warrants a public exposé and press release, it is of supreme importance to be explicit in what the problematic behavior or violation was (financial exploitation, sexual abuse or harrasment, secret marriages, etc.) [15/26]
"Spiritual abuse," is too broad a category and refers to a panoply of behaviors, which leaves too much room for doubt - which could on one hand lead one to assume the worst in cases that do not warrant it, and others to justify any behavior because the term is too vague. [16/26]
If a person's behavior is severe enough that it needs to be disclosed to the public for the safety and well-being of members of the community, then such behavior needs to be made explicit by the authority responsible for ensuring accountability. [17/26]
This does not mean that evidence (or even worse, victims) need to be presented to the public for scrutiny. There has to be enough credibility and trust in the authority and its operating principles that such measures need not be taken. [18/26]
The exposé or press release by this credible institution can be used as a reference when conducting a background check for hiring in Muslim institutions, and can also be a reference when inviting speakers by various communities. [19/26]
It can also be shared widely on social media by anyone interested in doing so (including the individuals who would have made the exposé themselves) ensuring widespread disemmination of the information. [20/26]
It is hard to revoke or withhold a speaking engagement (and other platforms) from a predatory figure on the basis of a social media exposé (written with atrocious grammar by a random perso, at that). [21/26]
However, a statement and action made by such a respected and credible institution can provide the necessary weight and pressure that minimizes opportunities for further abuse by a predatory figure. [22/26]
These are some personal thoughts and ideas I have had after seeing far too many cases of abuse in the past few years. I am frustrated in not having seen more active efforts in creating structural and institutional forms of accountability with buy-in from the community. [23/26]
If this was useful or beneficial, or you know anyone who could help in making such a vision a reality, please forward and share. I have no desire but to see justice, accountability, and the well-being of our community. [24/26]
I am still learning and growing, and I am open to criticism of my ideas, flaws in my thinking, or areas of further development. Please share anything (privately or publically) that may contribute to the discussion. [25/26]
May Allāh ﷻ have mercy on the victims of abuse, and help us play a role in helping both the oppressed, and the oppressor (by stopping them in their oppression), as our Beloved Prophet ﷺ taught us to. Wa Allāhu A‘lam. [26/26] ۞
