Some sources consulted claim that the “Zero Violence Committee:” the most internationally recognized research group on gender-based violence and abuse of power improvised a statement on zero violence in academia as an act of retaliation because some individuals had decided to leave the group.
Fulfilling our journalistic and investigative duties, we have verified that there is ample written evidence to prove that this information is false.
December 15, 2023, marks the beginning of discussions aimed at drafting a guidance document to prevent violence within the research group. Various testimonies explain that even at that time, there was already talk of alleged inappropriate behavior by individuals who would later leave the group. It was then that the idea emerged to create CREA’s Zero Violence Commission, to establish a clear position in writing regarding these situations on behalf of CREA. This commission was formally established on October 30, 2024.
On the same day, October 30, all members of CREA were informed about the new commission and were allowed to share their opinions on both its composition and its objectives. Members were also invited to approach the commission if they had any comments or concerns. After several consultations, the declaration was finally published on the group’s website on the morning of January 17. It can be accessed at the following link: https://crea.ub.edu/index/es/comision-violencia-cero-del-crea/
We have reviewed multiple pieces of written evidence that contradict the claims made by the initial sources and indicate that the declaration on abuse of power was not fabricated by the CREA research group as a form of retaliation against those who left. On the contrary, some individuals chose to leave the group after December 15, during the drafting process of the declaration, and even after it was published.
In our interviews with various sources and based on scientific evidence, we have found that CREA members, far from being upset about these departures, were quite pleased. They state that they now work and feel much better knowing that inappropriate behavior and abuse of power are no longer present.
President of the CSAS Association - Science and Friendship
Director of DF Diario Feminista
Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona