Illinois Prison Project Panel (Saturday, August 3)
This panel was led by ABA Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence Liaison Rachel White-Domain, who serves as the Director of the Women & Survivors Project at Illinois Prison Project. The event took place at Loyola University School of Law in Chicago and had both in-person and virtual attendees.
The discussion below explores the intersection of criminalization and domestic violence, situating these elements within the broader movement against mass incarceration. Expert panelists, including advocates, legal professionals, and survivors, share their perspectives on how survivors of gender-based violence are disproportionately impacted by the injustices perpetuated in our current criminal legal system. They highlight the urgent need for reform, advocating for a more compassionate and holistic approach to justice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of education in transforming public perception and advocating for survivors effectively.
The event was co-sponsored by the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, the ABA Commission on Law and Aging, and the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense.