In fact, despite the very real dangers
that many women live with on a daily basis, there is evidence to suggest that
women who kill in their own defense may face greater punishment than other
defendants. A study conducted by The Michigan Battered Women’s Clemency Project
of homicide convictions and sentences over a three year period in Michigan
revealed startling levels of discrimination against defendants who are victims
of domestic violence. Results showed that domestic violence victims had higher
conviction rates and longer sentences than all others charged with homicide,
including those with previous violent criminal records. Overall, a white female
defendant with no criminal history who was convicted by a jury of killing a
white person could expect an average sentence of 10 to 30 years. However, if the woman was a victim of
domestic violence, her predicted sentence increased to life.
One reason is that there are a lot of
people - judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and jurors included - who bring
to any trial a host of myths and stereotypes about domestic violence. Perhaps
the biggest one being that she can just leave. Why did she stay? This question ignores the large body of
evidence showing that women do leave. It also demonstrates a failure to
understand that leaving is the most dangerous time for a victim. In fact, lethality increases by 75% when a
victim leaves her assailant. A victim’s
actions toward self-preservation must be understood within the context of ongoing
intimidation, isolation and control. Leaving is one of the most complicated
decisions that must be made by a victim.
And leaving certainly doesn’t guarantee an end to the violence.
S.A.F.E.
Place has the dubious honor of being one of the largest and busiest domestic
violence shelters in the state. We are
open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and all of our services are free of charge. You don’t have to stay at the shelter to
receive help. Unfortunately, we are
always busy. We had a 55% increase in
our services last year and over half of the shelter residents we serve are
children. Domestic
violence hurts women in every way that they can be hurt – economically,
physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If we do nothing, we are saying that these women are expendable. It’s
not pleasant to think about what a domestic violence victim endures, but it is
devastating to let it continue in silence.
Domestic violence is not an issue that S.A.F.E. Place can solve
alone. It’s not a woman’s issue. Everyone - men, women and children - are
impacted. It’s a community issue. If you would like to help, we will happily
accept your time, talent and treasure.
Visit them online at www.safeplaceshelter.org or
give them a call at 269.965.6093 and ask how.
We simply can’t meet the need without your support.
So, how did the episode end? Well, the police chief decided that the
victim had suffered enough and if her father wanted to go to jail to protect
his daughter she would let him – she liked that ending better…she cared about
the truth but she cared even more about justice. In real life Battle Creek we have a police
department that has asked to partner with S.A.F.E. Place. They want to understand the truth so that they
can best protect victims and ensure justice. David Shore, the executive
producer of the show, said that one reason they chose Battle Creek is because
of the sense of hope that the city emanates.
I like that. I couldn’t agree
more. That is after all, at the very
core of it, why S.A.F.E. Place exists – so that the people we serve are able to
make choices based on hope instead of based on fear.
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