Poster #162 - Oral History of Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women - CANCELLED

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

This poster will synthesize material from an oral history documenting the creation and work of the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women. In early 1990s Chicago, several feminist activist attorneys noticed frequent prosecution, sentencing, and incarceration of women who used force to defend themselves against violent partners or who failed to stop their partners from hurting others. Building on their existing efforts to create more safety and equity for women, these activists formed the Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women. The project helped women when police, prosecutors, and judges didn’t consider histories of abuse when arresting, charging, convicting, and imprisoning the women for assault, homicide, or accountability for failing to prevent a crime by a partner. This project prompted Illinois governors to release at least sixteen women from prison.

While little published material examines the work of the Clemency Project, the injustice of incarcerating victims of violence who have attempted to defend themselves remains a social problem. This oral history includes interviews with the founders and a number of volunteers, discussing their motivations, strategy, tactics, and personal experiences.

Author

• Michelle Marie VanNatta, Dominican University