Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women

Parole Reversals

On August 14th, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger released his decision to reverse parole for both Norma Cumpian & Linda Lee Smith despite the fact that the Board of Parole Hearings had found them each suitable for parole.

This is the first time Norma was found suitable for parole. She is a 39-year-old woman who has spent 17 years at the California Institution for Women for the death of her abusive partner. She has used her time in prison to transform herself through support groups, study, work, and service. During her incarceration, Ms. Cumpian has displayed considerable leadership skills, as well as a commitment to self-improvement and support for others' growth. She has been a leader within Convicted Women Against Abuse.

This is the *tenth time* the Board of Parole Hearings had found Linda suitable for parole. Linda currently is in her *29th year* in prison where she has remained disciplinary-free, earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of La Verne, and continues to work toward her Master of Theology degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Free Battered Women grieves with Norma & Linda, their families and their supporters over the Governor?s latest reversals and we remain committed to fighting to secure their release.

* Freedom for Donna Shaner and Debbie Peagler!

It is with great joy that we announce that another two domestic violence survivors have been released on parole from state prison!

Donna Shaner is a 61-year-old woman who has been incarcerated for over 20 years on a seven-years-to-life sentence for the attempted murder of her abusive boyfriend. Donna was released last week after the Board of Parole Hearings upheld her parole grant after reviewing it again last week.

Ms. Shaner?s freedom is the result of the hard work of many people who have supported her over the years. Free Battered Women especially would like to express our tremendous gratitude and deep appreciation to our colleagues at Morrison & Foerster: attorney Teri Stein?s advocacy on behalf of Ms. Shaner has been truly inspiring. As we briefly announced last week Debbie Peagler was released Saturday, August 23rd, after serving 26 years in prison on a 25-to-life sentence relating to the death of her abusive partner.

Debbie's release is the result of a collective effort of thousands of concerned community members who supported her freedom over the course of many, many years. Tremendous thanks to all of you who took the time to write, call, and fax the Board of Parole Hearings and the Governor urging him to release Ms. Peagler! Together, we make a difference!

Free Battered Women and the Habeas Project especially would like to express our tremendous gratitude and deep appreciation to our colleagues at Bingham McCutchen. The tireless and vigorous advocacy of attorney?s Nadia Costa and Joshua Safran?s on behalf of Ms. Peagler has been truly inspiring. We also would like to recognize Debbie?s family, investigator Bobby Buechler, and filmmaker Yoav Potash who have all been central to the fight for her freedom. Thank you. Free Battered Women wishes Donna & Debbie much joy, strength, and courage as they begins the next stages of their journey.

* Please Support Martina Olea & Patricia Joellen Johnson!*

We are working to help secure the release of two domestic violence survivors Martina Olea & Patricia Joellen Johnson, and we need your support.*Currently we are having trouble with our online fax-alert so we are asking you to please email and call the Governor directly.*

- Call the Governor at 916-445-0873 and tell the Legal Affairs staff that you support Martina Olea and Patricia Joellen Johnson's release on parole!

- Email him at http://www.govmail.ca.gov/

Ms. Olea has spent 22 years on a 15-to-life sentence for a crime related to her history of abuse. The Board of Parole Hearings has found Ms. Olea suitable for parole for the *fifth time. * Ms. Olea will be deported back to Mexico when she is paroled, and has a loving family who are eager to welcome her home.

Ms. Olea has worked hard to transform herself: she has learned the English language, participated in extensive therapy, and been involved in self-help groups consisting of Alcoholics Anonymous and parenting classes.

Ms. Johnson now 65 has been imprisoned since 1991 on an 18-to-life sentence for the death of her abusive husband.

She has worked hard to transform herself from the woman she was nearly two decades ago when she entered prison. She expresses sincere remorse and takes full responsibility for her actions.

The Governor has until *September 18th *to decide whether to uphold Ms. Olea and Ms. Johnson's releases. Please take action to support their freedom!