One of the many consequences of abuse is that the resulting trauma can lead victims toward crime, too. While being abused does not mean you will automatically begin committing crimes, it can be considered a mitigating factor, especially during sentencing. A new law that was signed last month aims to allow for reduced sentences of convicted criminals who were abused in the past.
One reason for these efforts to lobby the government to consider past abuse in sentencing is the fact that so many convicts have reportedly suffered abuse before their incarceration. According to the National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women, women who were abused are more likely to end up in jail than women who were not abused. 60-70% of incarcerated women reported experiences of abuse in their childhood, and 70-80% reported intimate partner abuse in their adulthood before their arrest. The numbers alone show that this is a trend that should not be ignored. If you are a victim of abuse facing criminal charges, speak with a dedicated Elgin, IL criminal defense lawyer to understand your sentencing options.