Dr. Jamila T. Davis: A Voice for Change in New Jersey’s Justice System
Dr. Jamila T. Davis can hardly contain her excitement.
In a significant moment for advocates of justice reform, just hours before former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was set to leave office, he signed into law two crucial bills aimed at addressing domestic violence abuse and sentencing reform for victims. These laws represent a culmination of efforts highlighted in the documentary “Set Her Free: Exposing the Trauma to Prison Pipeline,” where Davis served as executive producer under the Survivors Justice Act.
Empowering Voices of Survivors
In an exclusive interview, Davis passionately articulated the importance of this legislative victory. “What it means is our voices matter,” she stated. For Davis, a survivor of both domestic violence and incarceration, the significance of being heard cannot be overstated. She explained how the stories of women who encounter the justice system often remain buried, overshadowed by societal misconceptions.
“Women offend for very different reasons than men, and it’s often related to trauma,” she explained. When these women are convicted, they often face harsh, draconian sentences that overlook the underlying issues driving their behavior. Davis emphasized the importance of understanding these narratives and taking a second look at the sentences given, enabling women to benefit from justice reform.
Celebrating Clemency: The Case of Natasha White
Among the women featured in Davis’ film, three received clemencies from Governor Murphy, while Natasha White, a first-time offender convicted in 2009 for the killing of her ex-boyfriend, had her sentence commuted. White’s story resonated deeply with Davis, who noted that despite her lengthy incarceration, White continued to pursue education and help others. “She is coming home and if I can’t be excited about anything else? Oh my god, I’m so excited about that,” Davis exclaimed, reflecting on the hope the new laws bring to individuals like White.
A Call for Broader Justice
Dawn Jackson, another participant in the film, echoed Davis’s sentiments regarding the impact of the newly enacted laws. She described this moment as pivotal for justice and healing, extending her gratitude to the various individuals and organizations that contributed to this historic change. “We honor the women and men who have been pardoned or commuted, whose journeys inspire this progress,” Jackson stated.
Moving Forward: Ensuring Implementation and Healing
While the laws are a significant step forward, Davis knows that the journey is far from over. With a commitment to transforming the Survivors Justice Act into a national model, she shared her plans to ensure that these reforms are effectively implemented. “I just finished speaking with the New Jersey domestic violence coalition, which is a group that advocates statewide,” she said, emphasizing the necessity of education and outreach.
Davis explained the importance of not just passing bills but actively assisting those eligible for relief: “We have to educate the people who are eligible to know they’re eligible. Then we have to help them with their applications and help them get back in front of a judge.” This grassroots approach is essential to ensure that legislative victories translate into tangible improvements in the lives of those affected by the justice system.
Addressing the Need for Trauma-Informed Care
In addition to advocating for equitable legal reforms, Davis is also focused on providing trauma-informed care for women impacted by domestic violence. “Women who are victims are traumatized by the trauma they encounter. So we’ve got to help them heal from that trauma,” she explained. This care approach aims to support women in their recovery journey, ensuring that they have the necessary resources for healing upon release.
Davis reflects on the collaborative spirit that allowed these reforms to happen: “Elected officials got with folks who were justice-impacted, and together we made change.” This coalition-building among diverse stakeholders is a powerful model for future advocacy efforts across the country.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.