Selves to Defend? Domestic Violence Survivors Who Are Criminalized
Saturday, October 27 ~ 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston
Co-sponsored by Dr. Melissa Blount, Moms United Against Violence and Incarceration, and REAL

What happens to survivors of domestic violence who act to protect themselves and their children? Too often, they are punished and “disappeared” in prison for decades, especially if they are Black or Brown. Evanston artist, psychologist, and poet Melissa Blount will present the “Say Her Name” quilt, which honors the lives of women killed by domestic violence, and its genesis in the work of Love & Protect, the Chicago chapter of the national group Survived & Punished. A survivor and the women who used participatory defense to free her from prison will discuss her case, and invite us to think about how we can support similar efforts for criminalized survivors. Last of all, we will have an opportunity to take part in a sewing circle and letter writing for women charged with crimes when they acted in response to life-shattering violence. Featured speakers include Debbie Buntyn, Monica Cosby, Paris Knox, and Holly Krig of Moms United Against Violence and Incarceration

Open to the Public