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+--- Thread: News Georgia bill to reduce prison sentences for domestic violence survivors on its way to becoming law (/showthread.php?tid=944)
Georgia bill to reduce prison sentences for domestic violence survivors on its way to becoming law - Colibri - Apr 3 2025
Georgia lawmakers passed a bill that would reduce sentences for domestic violence survivors if they can tie their crimes to abuse
https://archive.ph/t2Y9u
Quote:Women nationwide are in prison for killing their abusive partners in self-defense. Others were coerced into committing crimes with their abusers. Women of color are especially likely to end up in prison for crimes tied to abuse, experts have said.
House Bill 582 passed the Senate 53-1 on Thursday after the House overwhelmingly passed it last month. Once the House approves final changes, which it is expected to, it will go to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for his signature...
If Kemp signs the bill, Georgia would join Oklahoma, Illinois, New York and California in giving domestic abuse victims in prison or charged with a crime the chance to ask judges for lower sentences and present evidence to prove abuse drove their crime.
RE: Georgia bill to reduce prison sentences for domestic violence survivors on its way... - VerdantHorizon - Apr 3 2025
Quote:Between 74% and 95% of incarcerated women nationwide have survived domestic abuse or sexual violence, according to the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Unsurprising but still shocking numbers. I wonder how high the burden of proof will be on this? It says they have to present evidence of the abuse, but does it have to be enough evidence that would normally convict their abuser, or just enough that abuse was plausible? Regardless, this will save at least some abused women from excessive jail time, so that's a win.
RE: Georgia bill to reduce prison sentences for domestic violence survivors on its way... - Myrth - Apr 8 2025
Women who fight back are often charged with crimes, even where self-defense laws would clear them. This is a good start.