Peace and the Opposing of Evil

Anonymous

Trigger Warning: This article discusses the author’s personal experiences of sexual assault.

Peace is the will of God, but evil needs to be stopped by any means possible. The first time at age 15, I used peaceful means to deliver the consequences. The second time at age 26, I used violence to end violence. I believe I upheld my Quaker principles both times.

As a teen, it happened on the way to school. I ran to the doorbell of the first house I saw, which turned out to be a judge’s home. He took me in and encouraged me to go to court. I knew it was right to testify. I went and successfully identified my attacker. I spoke for all the other girls who couldn’t speak for themselves. My testimony put him in jail. He faced the legal consequences.

As a young woman, it happened at a music session. Jamming went late into the night causing me to fall asleep. Suddenly, I had to decide in a split second if it was more of a sin to be violated or to fight back. I chose to fight back. I looked up and saw his nose bloody and flattened where I had struck him with my fist. I was able to flee. I had delivered the only consequence he ever got.

Thirty years later I walked into a pub, and he was the jam master. He extended his hand for me to shake. I forgave him, bringing the situation full circle. I finally let the anger go and made peace.

Why does the peace testimony need be so absolute? Why is violence unjustified for any purpose? Surely rape is an evil act. Surely it is not the will of God. In one instance retribution came in the form of a legal trial. In the other instance there was no room for peaceful negotiations because the situation was lethal. The path of action should depend on the circumstances and the severity of the outcome. Both of my actions, albeit different, prevented further violence. I fought to end evil by any means possible. I still believe I did not betray my Quaker values.

For sexual assault resources, please visit www.rainn.org/resources or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673.