On Tuesday, May 21, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1835, the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, into law. This monumental legislation, which passed unanimously in the Oklahoma Senate and overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives, promises to reshape the state’s approach to supporting and protecting domestic violence survivors.
A Historic Achievement for Oklahoma Appleseed and Its Partners
The journey to this victory was marked by persistent advocacy and collaboration, demonstrating the power of collective action. Initially vetoed by Governor Stitt, the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act was brought back to the table through the tireless efforts of legislators, advocates, and experts, including the dedicated team at Oklahoma Appleseed. This unwavering dedication culminated in the Governor’s reconsideration and eventual signing of the bill.
“Today is a historic, transformative day for the state of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition applauds Governor Stitt for taking the time to reconsider the importance of the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act and sign this bill into law,” said Colleen McCarty, co-founder of the Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition and Executive Director of Oklahoma Appleseed. “Now, it’s time to reunite domestic abuse survivors with their families and ensure that future survivors are not punished for defending themselves.”
Key Provisions of the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act
The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act addresses systemic injustices faced by domestic abuse survivors by introducing crucial legal reforms:
- Sentencing Mitigation: The Act provides a sentencing mitigation procedure for victims of domestic violence who are being prosecuted. This allows evidence of abuse to be presented at a sentencing mitigation hearing, ensuring that the context of their actions is fully considered.
- Resentencing Opportunities: It allows currently incarcerated survivors to apply for resentencing if they can prove that the abuse they suffered is substantially related to the crime for which they were convicted. This provision offers a second chance for justice for those who have been excessively punished.
Moving Forward
Oklahoma’s alarming statistics on domestic violence and homicides underscore the urgent need for such legislative reforms. Ranking first in the country for the perpetration of domestic violence and third in domestic homicides, Oklahoma has long needed a legal framework that supports, rather than punishes, survivors. The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act is a crucial step towards rectifying these injustices.
As we celebrate this victory, the work is far from over. Implementation will require continued collaboration with local partners, advocates, and community leaders. The overwhelming support for this bill, evidenced by a petition garnering over 20,000 signatures, reflects a collective commitment to justice and support for survivors.
For more information on the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act and how you can support its implementation, please visit Oklahoma Appleseed’s website here.
About the Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition
The Oklahoma Survivor Justice Coalition is a diverse group representing directly impacted leaders, attorneys, and advocates for incarcerated survivors. The coalition advocates for safety and freedom for Oklahoma’s survivors of domestic violence both pre- and post-incarceration. Members of the Coalition include: Oklahoma Appleseed, DVIS, Inc., She Brews Coffeehouse, Right on Crime, Fair and Just Prosecution, RISE Program, Human Rights for Kids, FWD.us, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Oklahoma Policy Institute, Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Block Builderz, YWCA-OKC, The Sentencing Project, End Violence Oklahoma, Free April Wilkens, Foundation for Liberating Minds, Terence Crutcher Foundation, His House Ministries.
