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Clemency for Battered Women Convicted of Killing Their Partners: A Brief Overview of Related Research and Statistical Information

NCJ Number
159029
Date Published
1994
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This document reviews statistical data related to battered women convicted of killing their partners, with a focus on the situation in Illinois.
Abstract
The findings show that between 1,500 and 2,000 battered women are imprisoned nationwide for killing their abusive partners. Seventy-one battered women have been granted clemency since 1978, and most of those cases have occurred since 1990. Advocacy groups are working in more than half the States to secure clemency for convicted battered women. In Illinois, battered women kill their partners an average of 50 times per year, accounting for less than 5 percent of all homicides in the State. Since 1987, at least 11 convicted battered women have been granted executive clemency in Illinois. 2 tables and 15 notes