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This article about FKA twigs' lawsuit against Shia LaBeouf, by @ktbenner and @melenar, is stellar, and it includes valuable context that's often overlooked.
Others who write about relationship abuse should take note. Here are just a few of the things they did right: https://twitter.com/jrud/status/1337909468533755904
Others who write about relationship abuse should take note. Here are just a few of the things they did right: https://twitter.com/jrud/status/1337909468533755904
1) Rather than focus exclusively on physical violence, @ktbenner and @melenar include examples of coercive control and isolation. These details might seem comparatively minor, but they aren't. Abuse can be emotional, verbal, financial. The control is the point.
2) Two of the biggest misconceptions that readers have about abuse are expressed as follows: "Why didn't she just leave?" and "If it were me, I wouldn't be in this situation."
The reporters explain the cycle of abuse, the honeymoon phase, AND barriers to leaving.
The reporters explain the cycle of abuse, the honeymoon phase, AND barriers to leaving.
Another thing @ktbenner and @melenar do, which I don't often see, is identify that leaving an abusive relationship requires MATERIAL RESOURCES. Moving, changing the locks, getting support, potentially even getting fired because of resultant turbulence – all costly.
Finally, a simple one: The @nytimes story puts FKA twigs' lawsuit against Shia LaBeouf in context. For decades, relationship abuse was dismissed as a private matter, a family squabble. But relationship abuse is a matter of life and death. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/arts/music/fka-twigs-shia-labeouf-abuse.html
I clicked on this article about FKA twigs and Shia LaBeouf because I care about relationship violence and I had been a fan of LaBeouf's work. I was hugely impressed by the quality and depth of reporting — I hope @nytimes and other outlets keep it up. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/arts/music/fka-twigs-shia-labeouf-abuse.html
Most of all, I'm blown away by the courage that @FKAtwigs demonstrated in telling her story. She didn't owe us anything, and she knows too well that our system does not often value or protect women of color. She spoke out anyway, and it could save lives. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/arts/music/fka-twigs-shia-labeouf-abuse.html
