Criminalising feminism: Feminist activists’ experiences and perceptions of state repression in China

State repression of women remains a pressing issue worldwide, yet it is seldom classified as a form of crime in criminological research. While feminist criminology and victimology have extensively explored the experiences of women victims within the context of violence against women, empirical research into women's perceptions and experiences of state repression remains limited in criminology. This article aims to broaden the scope of inquiry to encompass a wider array of victim experiences. This study applies the lens of political repression and state crime victimisation to the situation of feminist activists facing state repression in China, delving into the tactics, characteristics and repercussions of such repression. By conducting detailed interviews with feminist activists and analysing material from public sources, our data illustrates that state repression of feminist activists is perceived by victim-survivors as a form of state crime that harms women both physically and mentally and facilitates other forms of crime against women in society. We argue that victim-survivors’ experiences and perceptions underscore the critical importance of prioritising the act of listening to their voices in criminological discussions of state misconduct.