Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women

Dear Friends,

I'm thrilled to let you know that another incarcerated domestic violence survivor has been released from state prison!

Many of you know Vonda White, a 69-year-old woman who has been a leader at the California Institution for Women during her nearly 30 years of incarceration. She was released this week on Tuesday November 18th, due to a successful *habeas* writ challenging the Governor's reversal of her 2006 release on parole.

Vonda's freedom is the result of the hard work of many people who have supported her over the years. Free Battered Women would especially like to express our tremendous gratitude to her attorney Michael Marrinan who has represented Vonda for years, Cari McQuillion prisoner advocate paralegal, as well as Linda Buchalter, who also has represented her at parole hearings. We also would like to recognize Jeri Becker Nager, who is a long time friend and former roommate of Vonda's who has been central to the fight for Vonda's freedom.

For those of you who recently received a mailing from Free Battered Women, you probably received our request to sign and return a support letter for Vonda, since she had been granted parole by the parole board for the 2nd time in September. Fortunately, she was freed before the Governor had the chance to review her case for a second time. We are very grateful for the outpouring of support for Vonda's release, and are thrilled that she has such strong community support as she returns to the community.

Free Battered Women wishes Vonda much joy, strength, and courage as she begins the next stage of her journey. We are grateful to everyone working for incarcerated domestic violence survivors' freedom!

Hooray!

Emily Harris
Coordinator, Free Battered Women