Thread by @OJRCenter

THREAD: Hello, My name is Natasha Wilson, I was one year old when my mother Debbie went to prison, and not just for a couple of days, weeks, or months but for 27 years. 1/*

That’s 27 missed birthdays, holidays, births of her grandchildren and just all around precious moments that we can’t get back. 2/*

My mother was convicted of and sentenced to 25 years to life for the death of my father. A man who not only repeatedly brutally abused her but also forced her into prostitution. 3/*

One day, realizing enough is enough, my mother got her strength and courage to leave, and do what we all think and are told to do which was go to the authorities. 4/*

It was obvious the same people who were supposed to protect her weren't any help when my father and other armed men showed up threatening to kill her. 5/*

Forcing my mom to take matters in her own hands, she sought help from two men and what was supposed to be a threat to make my dad leave my mother alone resulted in his death. 6/*

My mother was illegally forced into a guilty plea of first degree murder to avoid the death penalty. She served 27 years in prison physically, but what I felt like was still a death penalty emotionally. 7/*

To learn more about cases similar to mine and to just be able to understand more about how abuse can lead victims to commit crimes and why we need a legal system that recognizes and protects survivors against the abuse to prison pipeline....8/*

I strongly encourage you to watch the award winning documentary that was made about my mother’s story "Crime After Crime". crimeaftercrime.com 9/*

While you're watching, please think about your fellow Oregonians who are suffering through abuse like my mom endured with no way out. Do something right now to help them, by getting in touch with your state legislators and asking them to support House Bill 2825. 10/*

House Bill 2825 is a bill that will allow evidence of domestic abuse to be considered as mitigation at sentencing, giving judges discretion to impose a lesser sentence where it’s appropriate. 11/*

The bill will also allow survivors who have already been convicted to petition the courts for re-sentencing. 12/*

Oregon, please pass HB2825 for more dignity and fairness for survivors like my mom and more importantly for the kids of parents like me whom serve that sentence as well. Thank you for your support,

Natasha Wilson
Daughter of Debbie Peagler 13/13

ICYMI - Poll: Oregon Voters Demand Reduced Prison Terms for Domestic Violence Victims theappeal.org/the-lab/pollin…