The Domestic Violence Survivors Act would allow for judges to consider abuse when giving sentences to those convicted especially when the crimes were directly related to abuse. The act would consider the sentences of those arrested and convicted who defended themselves against their abusers, and those who were arrested because of crimes that connected to the abuse. The Act would also give survivors who have been sentenced to harsh sentences a chance to shorten the sentence, or be granted an early release. After years of speaking openly about survivors of abuse who were formerly and presently incarcerated, the bill has been recognized as an important issue and was approved.
Prior to this Act, judges could not consider the abusive experiences …show more content…
According to a report “From Protection to Punishment,” if survivors had opportunities to be moved from prisons to other programs, like the Alternative To Incarceration(ATI), it would “..enable individuals to serve their sentences while addressing underlying personal issues, rebuilding connections with children and family, and becoming productive members of society.” However, the cost of ATI were proven to be significantly less that than imprisonment. According to the report, most ATI programs are estimated to cost about $11,000 for one individual for a year. In contrast, the annual cost of incarcerating one person is $55,000. By spending less and achieving purposeful outcomes for the survivors does benefit both parties. Another reason why some may be opposed to the Act, is the exclusion of individuals that the Act mentions. The Act does not consider other individuals that the Act will benefit like, victims of economic, emotional, or verbal abuse. The Act specifically considers individuals who have been “..victims of domestic violence subjected to substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.” There is a lack of inclusion in the Act and an absence of other forms of
Prior to this Act, judges could not consider the abusive experiences …show more content…
According to a report “From Protection to Punishment,” if survivors had opportunities to be moved from prisons to other programs, like the Alternative To Incarceration(ATI), it would “..enable individuals to serve their sentences while addressing underlying personal issues, rebuilding connections with children and family, and becoming productive members of society.” However, the cost of ATI were proven to be significantly less that than imprisonment. According to the report, most ATI programs are estimated to cost about $11,000 for one individual for a year. In contrast, the annual cost of incarcerating one person is $55,000. By spending less and achieving purposeful outcomes for the survivors does benefit both parties. Another reason why some may be opposed to the Act, is the exclusion of individuals that the Act mentions. The Act does not consider other individuals that the Act will benefit like, victims of economic, emotional, or verbal abuse. The Act specifically considers individuals who have been “..victims of domestic violence subjected to substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.” There is a lack of inclusion in the Act and an absence of other forms of