$450

An original hardwood baseball bat painted ‘Never Again’ with acrylic paint and used in the performance art video Bat Shit Crazy, by Lily A. Michaud. The artist used this bat to work through her own frustration about intra-family abuse. From these acts you will find wear on the bat (see picture). The piece comes with wall mounts and a certificate of authenticity. This bat is an artist’s proof for the final version later produced, and signed “Au, AP, ‘20”. Statement from the artist: “Worldwide, regardless of the written law, court systems and the police have a strong bias against women and children in favor of men. It is a common phenomenon that women who report rape or sexual abuse are treated as criminals by the police and legal systems of the US. (Joseph, R., Postracial Resistance, New York University Press, 2018. pg 6. Misogyny is compounded by racism.) Reports of domestic and child abuse are by default considered false. Discredited theory is used. The most common and quickly used line of attack against female victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse is attacking the victim’s mental health, eg saying, “she’s crazy”. In cases of child abuse the reporting mother is usually “punished” (read: legally retaliated against) by removing their parenting time. This is called parental alienation syndrome (PAS) and, in the US, increases the chances of children being placed in full custody of an abusive father. This phenomenon is a global problem. Even in Iceland, oft considered the most feminist place to live because of near pay equality, they face disproportionately high rates of domestic abuse, sexual abuse and sexual assault. Like in the US and developing countries, the police and legal system defaults to the idea that abuse reports are false and therefore the perpetrators are the true victims. (Joelsdottir and Wyeth, the Misogynist Violence of Iceland’s Feminist Paradise, foreignpolicy.com, 7/15/2020.) In effect we are punished for trying to protect ourselves and our children. That is crazy.” See her art which explores her experience with child and domestic abuse at lilymichaud.art