Building capacity to serve incarcerated, re-entering and jailed survivors of domestic violence

Sin By Silence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYPIEo6kdiA

Linking Systems Project Coordinator at ODVN My background: Linking Systems Project Coordinator at ODVN Former Domestic Violence Program Coordinator at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville Offering domestic violence program support around incarcerated, reentering and jailed domestic violence survivors

Facts and statistics 84.6% of incarcerated women report a history of having been abused in adult relationships –Bradley and Davino As many as 90% of women in prison today for killing men had been battered by those men --Bradley and Davino Racism and sexism in courts Strong data to suggest battered women are judged more harshly, including higher conviction rates and longer sentences than all others charged with homicide Statistics show that African-American women are convicted at a higher rate than all others. Male co-defendants in the pool of clients assisted by Justice for Incarcerated Battered Women in 2017-18 were sanctioned less than their female co-defendants, even when those male co-defendants actually committed the homicides Quilt: female clemency project survivor has been in prison since 1989 on a 20-to life sentence; male co-defendant who actually killed the abuser has been out since 2009

90-100 people die every year in Ohio due to DV Facts and statistics Trauma-related challenges for survivors in participating in their own defense 90-100 people die every year in Ohio due to DV 0% recidivism for survivors pardoned for killing in self-defense (National stat) Of the 86 women who killed abusers released through Governor clemency, the recidivism rate for a future violent crime has been 0%

Common reasons battered survivors are incarcerated Killing abuser in self-defense Child endangerment Being forced/coerced into participating in a crime (drug deal, robbery, etc Drug crimes (self-medicating) Turning to criminal behavior after fleeing from or being robbed by abuser (theft, solicitation) Police bias at scene (when they take steps to defend their lives and/or the lives of their children, they face courts that are ill prepared to understand the events that led to their crimes. Someone’s criminal record is NOT indicative of whether they were the primary aggressor. What does a victim look like? Victims who use illegal force to defend themselves are often not seen as real victims)

So… These are really, really our survivors! Often victims of the most brutal abuse Assisting this group of survivors embraces inclusivity; confronting oppression/ sexism/racism; violence-free futures; victim- centeredness; fairness Can demonstrate the effectiveness of programming to other community stakeholders

What advocates can do for jailed survivors Contacting defense attorney essential first step, before talking to survivor National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women (NCDBW) Can attend hearing to meet defense council Bail money; help filing expungement of arrest Accept collect calls from jails/prisons Include info in jails/prisons about support offered NCDBW: nonprofit resource and advocacy center for victims of battering charged with crimes related to their battering. Assist survivors who are arrested and facing trial as well as already serving sentences. Offers TA to victims of battering and their defense team.

What advocates can do for jailed survivors Pre-trial/during trial: be bridge between defendant and attorney and National Clearinghouse Help with child welfare issues Assist with transportation, housing, clothes for trial Accompany defendant to court hearings Explain legal process in community If convicted: help cope and prepare for sentencing

What advocates can do for jailed survivors Safety plan should include plan for bail, children, work Talk to survivor about past experiences of abuse, logistics of legal process - NOT specifics of case Advocates can be forced to testify; notes can be subject to subpoena Bullet 1: (legal processes in community, safety planning, etc. What time to arrive in court, where to go in, where to park, what wear, if can bring kids, where to sit, who check in with in courtroom, whether expected to talk, etc.) Lawyers are often not appointed till later, so info needed.

What advocates can do for survivors in prison Connect survivor with organizations that help women prisoners inform self about experiences of incarcerated women Facilitate support groups for survivors of domestic violence within the prison or jail Bullet 2: (triggered, often no DV/emotional support, mistreated, miss their children – lose in 2 years)

Challenges of reentry Restrictions on housing, employment, education, custody of children Issues with CPO Need permanent address in order to be released on parole or probation Lack of DV support in prisons Trauma was compounded in prison Criminal record may be misleading to DV agency and social services Bullet 1: because of a warrant, or may believe stigma would keep them from obtaining. bullet 2: Many are either homeless or from unstable homes prior to incarceration; Will often provide address to violent home in order to be released, because they have nowhere else to stay

Reentry challenges due to abuser’s actions Abuser now has more weapons to use against survivor Abuse-related issues in meeting probation officer Abuser providing drugs Workplace harassment Bullet 1: can threaten to call police or probation officer, promise to drop charges); bullet 2: bruises; abuser follows to meetings so can’t talk about abuse; abuser lies to PO

Barriers to leaving abuser after reentry May have nowhere else to live Barriers to employment post- incarceration DV programs sometimes unwilling to help Abuser may have custody of children Parole conditions Last bullet: may prohibit survivor from living with other felons, which may rule out willing friends/family

Immediate needs upon reentry Housing (and DV-specific housing advocacy) Drug and/or mental health treatment Public benefits Court assistance (sometimes CPO) DV advocacy/resources

Resources for Advocates www.ncdbw.org A Toolkit for Systems Advocacy on Behalf of Victims of Battering Charged with Crimes Issues to Consider When Facilitating Groups with Battered Women in Jail or Prison Working with Battered Women in Jail: A Manual for Community-Based Battered Women's Advocates

ODVN services DV Program Support: serving victims who are in local jails support groups in prisons serving re-entering survivors Pilot: will be developed and continuously improved with program and survivor feedback Bullet 1: (how can advocates help them not to be convicted? Proactive actions advocates can take);

Shelly Bell, ODVN shellyb@odvn.org For more information Shelly Bell, ODVN shellyb@odvn.org