Slate News What Next | Why Women Kill
Mar 3, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Rachel Louise Snyder, a journalist and author of 'No Visible Bruises', dives into the grim realities faced by women incarcerated for homicide—20% of whom killed their abusive partners. She unpacks the failures of self-defense laws and the urgent need for reform that acknowledges the complexities of domestic violence. By sharing poignant stories, including Anita Ford's, Snyder emphasizes the emotional turmoil of victims and the systemic changes necessary to protect women in abusive situations.
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Anita Ford's Story
- Anita Ford was abused by her husband, Barry, escalating from verbal to physical violence.
- After multiple escape attempts, her brother, George, killed Barry, leading to both their convictions.
Self-Defense Laws' Failure
- Self-defense laws, designed for men by men, fail abused women.
- The "imminence" requirement ignores power imbalances and the realities of domestic violence.
Imminence Issue
- "Imminence" in self-defense disregards the history of abuse.
- It focuses on isolated incidents, not the ongoing pattern of violence.
