Accused and Incarcerated: Lessons Learned from Survivors Charged or Convicted of Domestic Violence

This presentation aims to explore the complexities and misconceptions around so-called “reactionary abuse” resulting in survivors being accused of domestic violence from a survivor-services provider perspective. We will discuss the intricacies of survivors who respond to violence with resistance or self-defense, the motivations behind such actions, and the role of stigma related to abuse and carrying the “perpetrator” label. Additionally, we will address navigating the barriers to accessing supportive services and the importance of collaboration.