HR1345: HR1345 Boynton, Nicole; commend

26 LC 129 1062 House Resolution 1345 By: Representatives Santos of the 117th and Gunter of the 8th A RESOLUTION Recognizing Nicole Boynton; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Nicole Boynton was the first person in the State of Georgia to be re-sentenced2 under the Survivor Justice Act; and3 WHEREAS, Nicole acted to protect herself against her abusive bo yfriend, who she began4 a relationship with when she was just a child; and5 WHEREAS, Nicole was 18 years old when she was sentenced to life in prison; and6 WHEREAS, the number of women incarcerated in Georgia's prisons has increased by 6007 percent since 1980, and between 74 and 95 percent of women who are incarcerated have8 experienced domestic or sexual violence; and9 WHEREAS, in domestic violence relationships when violence and t he threat of violence10 have been constant, or have escalated over time, assessed risk is based on a history of abuse11 and that abuse often leads to clinical assessments of being in "extreme or severe danger"; and12 13 H. R. 1345 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1062 WHEREAS, the ongoing threat of harm, terror, and manipulation w ielded by domestic14 violence abusers serve as tactics of power and control that cre ate multiple, intersecting15 pathways to incarceration; and16 WHEREAS, with the passage of The Survivors Justice Act, Georgia law can better recognize17 when a survivor acts in self-defense, has been coerced into cri minal activity, or whose18 conviction was otherwise brought about by the abuse they experienced; and19 WHEREAS, the Survivor Justice Act permits survivors to receive a reduced sentence or to20 be re-sentenced when abuse was a significant contributing factor in their offense, allowing21 survivors to have the full context of their situation considered at both trial and sentencing;22 and23 WHEREAS, while Nicole was incarcerated she was taken on as a cl ient with the Georgia24 Coalition Against Domestic Violence's Justice for Incarcerated Survivors program where she25 was paired with the law firm of Alston & Bird who worked on her case pro bono for five26 years; and27 WHEREAS, after being paired with Alston & Bird, Nicole's life sentence was vacated and28 she was released from prison after serving 23 years; and29 WHEREAS, while Nicole was incarcerated she earned her GED and completed vocational30 training to prepare for the working world including getting her welding, cosmetology and31 food truck licenses, getting her CNA certification, and completing other courses with Life32 University; and33 H. R. 1345 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1062 WHEREAS, ensuring that sentencing reflects both accountability and the full context of an34 offense strengthens public confidence in the justice system and promotes safer communities;35 and36 WHEREAS, while incarcerated, Nicole facilitated domestic violen ce support groups as a37 Peer Mentor and supported other survivors who were also incarcerated; and38 WHEREAS, Nicole has children and grandchildren, who she is excited to reunite with; her39 son Romello testified in support of her at the re-sentencing hearing, he was just 4 years old40 when she went to prison and now is 27 years old and lives in New York; and41 WHEREAS, Nicole is kind, compassionate, generous, and thoughtful, she is motivated and42 strong, and she is sharing her story with others in order to do whatever she can to help other43 survivors and justice-impacted women.44 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that45 the members of this body recognize Nicole Boynton and commend h er unwavering46 commitment to justice.47 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized48 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to49 Nicole Boynton.50 H. R. 1345 - 3 -