There are multiple pathways to incarceration for a domestic violence survivor.

When domestic violence victims become criminal defendants or are incarcerated, they still need advocacy, support, safety planning, and community resources. Battering creates an increased risk of incarceration due to self-defense, addiction-related to trauma, parental kidnapping to protect children, being compelled by the abuser to commit criminal acts, recanting due to threats by the abuser, and more. Further, once a survivor reenters into society after incarceration, they face unique reentry challenges. Below are some resources to assist in advocating for incarcerated, jailed, or reentering domestic violence survivors.

Jailed Domestic Violence Survivors

“Is Your Charge Related to Having Been the Victim of Domestic Violence?”

“Assisting Jailed Survivors Pre-Trial”

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women

“Working with Battered Women in Jail”

Domestic Violence Survivors in Prison

“Issues to Consider When Facilitating Groups with Battered Women in Jail or Prison”

ODVN’s Self-Help Legal Manual for Incarcerated Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking

Reentering Domestic Violence Survivors

Relink.org

Ohio Local Reentry Coalitions by County

Dress for Success (Call Tasha Jones at ODVN for referral)

Central Ohio Restored Citizens Collaborative

HandsOn Central Ohio