Call DA Michael Jackson now: Tell him to protect victims of abuse - not jail them

Though the majority of women in prison are there for nonviolent crimes such as drug offenses, analyses of state and federal women’s prison populations estimates that as many as 4,500 women may be doing time for killing abusive male partners. The murder of an abusive partner is often a woman’s first offense, and for women who have prior offenses, they tend to be nonviolent. - Convicted Survivors: The Imprisonment of Battered Women Who Kill By Elizabeth Dermody Leonard

Jacqueline Dixon’s nightmare is far from over. Since July, Jacqueline Dixon has been charged with murder-domestic violence for shooting and killing her abusive ex-husband in self-defense after he attempted to attack her in the driveway of her home. Despite clear evidence, a court granted order of protection, and knowledge of the history of violence, the Selma Police Department still arrested her and Alabama District Attorney Michael Jackson pursued charges against Jacqueline.

The case is still in the hands of DA Michael Jackson. He has full discretion to completely drop the charges. Jacqueline is now out of jail on bond. But he is refusing to drop the charges. Soon a grand jury will hear her case. Now that a “Stand Your Ground” defense will be used in the case by her legal team, it is now time for DA Jackson to consider Jacqueline’s full experience, show real leadership, and drop the charges. Over 34,000 people have already signed the petition to call on DA Michael Jackson to drop the charges against Jacqueline. Now the next step is to flood his office with phone calls. He needs to hear loud and clear that Jacqueline deserves justice, not prison.

Call 1-844-214-7947 now to demand District Attorney Michael Jackson drop the charges against Jacqueline Dixon.

In a “Stand Your Ground State,” District Attorney Michael Jackson’s position as an elected prosecutor is a crucial one. In June 2004, he became the first Black person elected to office in Dallas County, Alabama and at the time the first elected Black prosecutor in the entire state of Alabama.1 In 2013, he even became the first Black elected official to be named “District Attorney of the Year” in Alabama.2 Survivors of domestic violence constantly live in fear and are forced to use dangerous ways to protect themselves and their families. Punishing a survivor of abuse should never be the solution. If DA Michael Jackson truly cares about serving justice and representing the people, he should see and honor the full humanity of Jacqueline Dixon.

Phone calls are an important tool to make your voice heard directly with the target. It is easy and quick. Just follow along below. Call 1-844-214-7947 now.

When they answer you can read from the script below, or use your own words. Be polite and calm. While we might be angry, we need to send a consistent message that can't be twisted to discredit us. We'll connect you.

Here's what to say when they answer:

Hi, I'm [state your name].

I 'm calling to ask DA Michael Jackson to drop the charges against Jacqueline Dixon. Too many survivors of domestic violence, especially Black women, are punished and criminalized for protecting and defending themselves.

Jacqueline Dixon deserves protection and safety.  Please, drop the charges against Jacqueline Dixon now.

Let’s show up for Jacqueline. Call at 1-844-214-7947 today.

- Color Of Change team

References:
"Michael Jackson named first African-American "District Attorney of the Year" in AL." WSFA 12. 27 June 2013. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/91642?t=9&akid=17911%2E3510445%2EUnJx4i
"Michael Jackson named first African-American "District Attorney of the Year" in AL." WSFA 12. 27 June 2013. http://act.colorofchange.org/go/91642?t=11&akid=17911%2E3510445%2EUnJx4i

More information:

FACT SHEET ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & THE CRIMINALIZATION OF SURVIVAL