Living with LIFERS in PRISON

[@JessicaKent]

Happy Friday!!! Please like comment and share todays video! It really helps get the message out 🙏💚

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

If we share your videos does that include the merchandise?

[@livantonelli6014]

Love your videos 💗

[@smokerbuddy4204]

Much love raccoon

[@no-qi5ny]

Love you sooo much Jess ❤ I'm so happy that you are able to and comfortable enough to talk about this, it helps me understand what my dad has went through so much better also love your eyeshadow ❤ 💗 💕 💖 ♥ 😊

[@Jayess-c]

When did you get your bachelor's, congrats Jess! I must've missed that video or did you have it before?

[@allisonharranmua8193]

"At 18 you couldn't tell me anything, at 25 I listened". I felt that in my soul.

[@naylaleifson9022]

Don't you wish at 18 they would listen.. It could save their life and so many others lives🙏👍 😊

[@chantaloechsle3300]

As someone who has survived DV, thank you for this. People don't get it until they've lived it, and while I'm glad they don't get it, that doesn't mean they should be able to do harm in the way we allow the criminal justice system to

[@mollyjackson4476]

So thankful you are still here with us. Your story will save lives, I'm sure it already has. 💚

[@jamesfv1]

Same. 🖤

[@kristys7172]

I escaped DV, 3 years of freedom has been wonderful. thank you for this video.

[@shar159]

Unfortunately many abused are abused further by the police or judicial system charged with protecting them. Leaving them with few alternatives to their own survival. Some they just came out on top in a fight for their lives. They aren't criminals they are abuse victims. I was lucky. I had a police officer witness what happened. I didn't kill him but I would have. I did inflict "great bodily injury" when I pushed him off me. He didn't face charges despite my many obvious injuries. I would have and I wonder if it had been a male officer instead of a woman. We had a long paper trail. I was told to leave, but the courts were going to give him our daughter, I didn't have a job. I was out of options. I was lucky.

[@TingTingalingy]

@@mollyjackson4476 why you thankful she is still with us? You don't even know her. Many that are abused, perpetuate the abuse. You gonna say the same thing if she knocks her kids around?

[@mollyjackson4476]

I know this wasn't easy to make. These people probably thought their story would never be known, that the hell they went thru will never be known. But you're giving these HUMAN BEINGS a voice. I couldn't hold back tears in this one. You did really good in this video Jess, you really really did. I love you. 💚

[@JessicaKent]

🙏💚

[@madilynnclark2959]

Jess is such a refreshing person. Her videos while can be serious and tackle tough issues are so informative and are a great addition to KZbin. I appreciate you talking about addiction my grandpa has and is struggling and your videos helped me see addiction differently then I once did.

[@JessicaKent]

Ty SO MUCH for your kind words! I hope your grandpa gets better 💚

[@FlickeringEmber]

Regarding DV. I went to the police after years of abuse, and after they put me into a womens' refuge, the lovely ladies doing intake there told me that some DV survivors get arrested themselves because their (ex)/partner has made malicious allegations. So I was actually lucky. That said, this happened at the exact time that the Scottish government (Where I was and am living) had clamped down on DV. Hours of harrowing police interviews, audio recordings and even a video of an attempt on my life resulted in the perpetrator getting a tiny fine which didn't even go towards DV survivors, just into the pockets of the courts. I'm still recovering but it's so easy to see how easy it would be to end up in jail for just trying to survive and it's heartbreaking.

[@amandarowland1866]

I was arrested spent 3 days in jail because of DV the guy abused my son I called the police he told them I told him to do it, I wasn’t found guilty of anything in the long run but my son needed me it was a horrible time. I am in the USA.

[@cloesimas8171]

having experienced DV first hand hearing these women’s stories is so heart breaking I couldn’t imagine ever being called sick or having a disorder!! It is truly the hardest thing I’ve had to go through. Thank you Jess for always being raw and discussing real issues that need to be talked about more. I live in AR and it devastates me how far we still have to go:/ I could never imagine doing life to protect my own life

[@crisgon6824]

I'm lucky, I got out. I've paid a terrible price but I'm alive. Anyone who's currently going through this, YOU ARE ENOUGH. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK.

[@r-pupz7032]

I really, truly hope you are doing well now. I don't know you but I'm so pleased you got out 💜💜💜

[@jax9763]

I just wanted to share that I have been a victim of domestic violence for a few months in a relationship I was in 5 yrs ago. I was only a tiny 23 yr old woman when this happened. I was so scared to leave for so long and when I finally worked up the courage to try he wouldn't let me go. He physically kept me locked up in my own apartment. Now the building I lived in were full of other people who were so far into their addiction, that they wouldn't do anything when I was screaming for my life. No cops came, Noone banged on my door, nothing. And I was screaming bloody murder. He was beating me, choking me and shoving me into walls, counters and tables, dragging me up the stairs by my hair while I was trying to leave. In the end I ended up breaking his nose and ran out the door in a middle of a blizzard (I'm in canada) with no coat or boots on. I ran to my friends house at 4am scared, cold, physically hurt and crying. The cops came and took me to jail because my ex called the police on me while I ran away. Said I beat him and I broke his nose. So I got charged for domestic violence. I went to court plead self defense, waited a yr for trial and won. I moved a lot since then because I am afraid he will find me. I have ptsd from that. The cops never did anything for me. He should be behind bars. The fear is soooo real.

[@joeybaren4105]

Yep. You have to live in fear rearrange your whole life, not even get your stuff from his place, struggle to move, get a new job, the abuser roams free.

[@jax9763]

@@joeybaren4105 yes. I was lucky I got to get my things and my dog because it was my apartment, not his. He couldn't afford to stay there himself so he just abandoned all of my things. I had someone get my dog right away while I was in jail. Then I moved out of the area and found a new job. It was a lot.

[@grimsqueaker437]

Thank you for telling your story. I’m sorry the system failed you so egregiously and I hope you’re doing better ❤️

[@marlismueller4496]

I hope that you life ist better now and that you get the help that you need. Stay away from bad men. Please let us know how you are doing now. Greetings from Germany.

[@sophieswift698]

I’ve been binge watching you since I found your channels yesterday, and I’ve learned so much. Thank you a million times for openly sharing all of this.

[@jadlad9666]

It can be so difficult to explain the abuse you've suffered, especially when it's not physically visible, and be taken seriously. The victim-blaming surrounding abuse of all kinds is horrific

[@rheagalarneau1366]

I’ve been there.

[@floydfitzgibbons6959]

In a country where we used to claim “liberty and justice for all,” there is little resemblance of it anymore. Maybe the motto should be changed “revenge and punishment for all.”

[@akmiak]

You should watch the Netflix series "maid" it's about a woman that escapes her domestic violence situation with her daughter and how hard it is. Would love to get your opinion on it.

[@kateisthebetterpanda]

This show is killing me, but I want to finish it. I just have to take it in chunks. I agree, all that can handle it should watch it.

[@CMM726]

I loved that show!!!!

[@stefanieb7776]

Loved it, very relatable

[@mirandareed830]

Awesome show and i hate how she thought what she was going thru wasn't DV...and how some told her it wasn't. She was clearly being abused

[@chrispat3069]

Loved the show. Maid has a great ending...

[@missfleming5465]

I'm a DV survivor, I was rpd by my soon to be ex-husband one resulted in my son being conceived I silently endured the abuse hiding it from my dad, family and friends. I was so close to causing serious bodily harm after the last assault. I sort of snapped, pushed him against a wall & grabbed him by the throat to stop him SA me. A month later I left I didn't until last year know what I went through is considered domestic violence and rpe. I made a report this year with police & told them about everything including acting in self defence they said I was well within my rights to do what I did & faced no trouble for it. To each and every survivor: YOU ARE STRONG, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE LOVED & YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. ❤❤❤❤

[@babyface45]

I have referred a few people to your videos after speaking to them about prison reform and they have all said they have been thoroughly impressed and were grateful for understanding something they had no knowledge of or had a very different view of things. You are making a very important difference with both of your channel's and I'm so grateful for you doing this.

[@glennmorris371]

As a male surviour of DV, you talk so much SENSE. Thanks Jess, the world has to change.

[@kelleyrice4801]

We bought a house in 2019 where we were told a man had died, that’s all. A few weeks of living here & a neighbor stops by and tells us that a lady shot her husband in our house. I looked up the case online and it claimed there was no motive for her to have done it. After seeing her picture, I realized she was sitting across from us at our closing. I still don’t know for sure why she did it but in my heart I feel she had a motive.

[@BhappyD]

You’re far braver than I am to buy a house that someone died in. I can’t even imagine finding out after the fact that it wasn’t just natural causes but a literal murder. Did you remain living there? Also curious, did the wife get prison time? I wasn’t sure given that she was at your closing.

[@kelleyrice4801]

@@BhappyD Yes, we still live here today. I couldn’t find any information on whether she was sentenced to prison time. I suspect that since she was at our closing and not in prison, there’s information that either proves she wasn’t mentally sane or that she actually did have a motive. I believe the statement that there was no motive came from some of the officers that arrived on the scene.

[@kelleyrice4801]

@@BhappyD i’ve never felt anything off about the house, nothing weird ever happens and tbh I’ve never felt safer in a house.

[@BhappyD]

@@kelleyrice4801 I’m so glad it’s been such a great house for you with no issues! I’ve just had so many bad experiences with houses that I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to that stuff lol. I wish you and your family many more happy years in your home! 😊🌻

[@weeklyalexa257]

@@BhappyD When I went to Argentina with my parents a couple years ago to spend the holidays with our family my mom later told me that the previous owner who lived in my aunt’s house had committed suicide in the bathroom 😳 While we were staying she made sure my aunt wouldn’t say a word about it because she knew it would’ve freaked me out

[@brittianybidondo7899]

We visited the Idaho State Penn, which is a museum now, and the energy was still palpable, especially in the section where people's death penalty sentences came to fruition. It was pretty intense in that room, I got out as quickly as I could.

[@deckee0507]

Fremantle Prison, here in Australia is the same. It's open to the public for guided tours after being closed as prison in 1991. It was built by convicts in the mid 1800's for convicts, so they basically built their own cells, tiny, tiny cells.There are some areas of it that are so eerie.

[@sierrabird3817]

@@deckee0507 back in 2019 I went to visit the Freemantle Prison! The place where they hanged prisoners was very creepy

[@deckee0507]

@@sierrabird3817 it is very eerie. There is definitely a thickness to the air.

[@SeisanStnc]

FWIW, there is a group in New York called "Survived and Punished" that assists incarcerated women who have survived DV.

[@crohniequeenab]

Wow this is insane. Definitely eye opening and definitely needs reform. I often see or hear people say well why didn’t you leave? Or why would you let that happen? What most don’t understand is the grooming and the shame of how it has gotten that bad. Most abusers don’t start off being violent in the relationship many hide their true colors until there is a moment of vulnerability. It’s easy to say what One would do if they were in this situation and judge. It’s just not that simple. These statistics are horribly sad.

[@joeybaren4105]

This video completely needs to be made. I'm a very boring lady who is in her thirties. Most of my life I've spent alone but when I was 27 I met a guy who I thought was cute. I went to this guy's house, eventually moved in. He was an absolute nightmare. He was not at all how he seemed when I initially met him. He drank very very heavily and I was essentially the main person in his life. He drank so heavily every day and he was also a huge gun enthusiast. He loved guns. But coupled with his drinking it got scary very fast because he would misinterpret stuff. He also got angry about anything and everything while drunk. I was lucky to not be with him very long because if I would have stayed probably one of us would have died. He would swing guns in my face etc. I'm very worried for whoever this guy's girlfriend might be if he continues in this pattern of behavior. I could see one of them becoming this type of lifer.

[@dutchik5107]

Well if your ex did it, it would be like deserved. No self defense there

[@joeybaren4105]

And by boring I mean: I never went out to bars. I never even drank. I didn't smoke. I just liked watching movies on Netflix. I didn't have a ton of crazy friends. I wasn't asking for trouble in any way.

[@dutchik5107]

@@joeybaren4105 that sounds like a normal life to me. Sure I drink more. And by that I mean I drink maybe every 2 months or so on average, and usually it is 1-3 glasses. Just like the taste.

[@JohnR77]

You thought he was cute and then he turned into a nightmare. Everyone goes through this. There is attraction and there is repulsion. On an atomic level some things bond and some things fly apart.

[@vikingarcher101]

I worked in a Federal Penitentiary for a few days. The feeling she mentioned is real. I'm glad I only spent a few hours there. The problems regarding self defense laws don't apply only to DV. Go to firearms self defense forums. You will find massive amounts on what happens after... The results also depends on the jurisdiction. Some areas are self defense friendly and some not. I feel for a victim of DV who defends themselves, only to discover the legal nightmare of self defense laws.

[@abbigailcarr2725]

Yeah so many of my conservative friends and family members say “I need to carry around a gun for self defence!” and I’m like dude do you know the likelihood of actually successfully arguing self defence in a court of law and being ruled not guilty? The odds are not in your favor!

[@vikingarcher101]

@@abbigailcarr2725 I do carry. I also spend a lot of time and money in training. I also have self-defense, lawyer insurance. The court case is going to be horribly expensive and the insurance is quite reasonable

[@scottcharney1091]

@@abbigailcarr2725 The saying (or is it a cliche?) is "better to be judged by twelve than carried by six." I suppose that it's true, but in the heat of the moment, freezing is very common.

[@sadem1045]

This makes me think of the Gypsy Rose Blanchard case. Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Nick Godejohn never should have been sent to prison. Gypsy Rose reached out for help because she was being abused and Nick Godejohn helped her (whether he was manipulated or not is another story).

[@tb4954]

I experienced this firsthand. I was physically and mentally abused by my husband for so many years as a very young woman. One day during another really bad fight, I fought back. And I called the cops. My husband left. I was still so in shock and actually having the cops in front of me made me realize how real this was. I suddenly felt so guilty thinking about “ruining my husband’s life” and I took back everything I said. In my state, at LEAST one person has to be charged with DV. And because I foolishly wanted to protect my husband that had hurt me so many times, I took the blame. Thankfully I was only charged with a fourth degree misdemeanor threat charge. But I’ll never forget my lawyer and judge telling me they “understand having a mental issue. You must have had a breakdown blah blah blah lapse in judgement” no. I’m not crazy. My ex tried to make me think I was. And I was gaslighted for so long. I still can’t believe it.

[@TLB7476]

So many people refuse to acknowledge that men can be victims of domestic violence too, thank you for specifying that it happens to both!

[@crystalgable1184]

I’m so happy to hear someone speaking about this so proud of you girl keep up the good work ily

[@downingj8288]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. It is refreshing to hear true, heartfelt life stories instead of dramatization

[@jamesryaniii2154]

I love you so much as a person. You have SUCH NICE energy, and you're content has a purpose, and I'm really glad to see it :D

[@omegacatcj1712]

This gal is strong……keep going we love these vids and talking about difficult subjects like this just makes you stronger!

[@marisahels]

good morning jess, thank you again for educating & informing us about all these things! stand with you for the much needed prison reform. thank you for taking the time to talk to us today about this, thank you. love you so much! 💛 & don't EVER ever apologize or feel like you have to apologize for feeling these emotions...that just means you're a very empathetic, kind & amazing individual. one of my very favorites. 💛

[@micahschuttler4185]

Sending you love and light 💕 your videos have absolutely changed my mind on prison

[@kianna270]

let’s also remember that abuse can be manipulated and in states that always arrest someone for domestic calls, things can get bad. i’ve seen men & women get charges for “domestic abuse” when their partner was actually the person abusing them but they somehow manipulated the cop into believing them. it’s literally up to the cop on the scene who gets arrested and these guys have no training whatsoever in abusive relationships. the whole system is so fucked! why is some random cop deciding who is the abuser when this is a complex & complicated topic that should be handled with care.

[@abbigailcarr2725]

The police who responded to Gabby Petito and what’s-his-face-I-don’t-care thought Gabby was the abuser bc that’s what the guy said and they believed him. They asked HIM if HE wanted to press charges against HER. He said no, then the cops left and he killed her.

[@georgeyoung7523]

My ex wife was an abuser but she would pull the women card and little old me shi$. Verbal..mental and ALOT of emotional abuse. I feel terrible for 90% of men that deal with this as no support out there.

[@grantlowe8382]

You inspire & give so much hope for us that have walk similar paths.Your Amazing Jess❤🇦🇺

[@alexandrialombard7922]

I literally look forward to your videos omfffff you’re so articulate and you have a gift for storytelling :)

[@shelbyhazelwood4708]

I just want to say I’m so happy I came across this page. Being pregnant in jail (for similar charges to yours) was terrifying and watching your videos bring back unpacked ptsd, but are also comforting. Thank you for your content.

[@mikelyons7297]

When I work IT for a county, I had to work in the jail at times. The ones that break my heart are the ones that do time and the boyfriend plays the victim and walks free. He's then working his side chick, while she is going through intake. By the way, intake is the most soul crushing process I have ever witnessed.

[@christineallan1136]

Absolutely LOVE you and ur channel, I'm just starting my recovery... I cannot be without my precious children anymore. I don't know how I got here and it fucjibg sucks. I will never give up tho!! you're an inspiration!!

[@zaila4271]

Jess is so comforting, she talks about so many important and serious topics, but she just has a good vibe.

[@nefblu792]

Have been waiting for this one for a while! Have a nice day y'all 🥰

[@Internal.Inferno]

OMG. I love you so much, Jess. You touch on so many important things and nobody else is talking about it! These are issues because nobody is doing anything about it. Majority of people judge...end of discussion before it's even begun. You are a voice for so many of us who are forgotten and not just failed by a broken system...but abused by it. FYI, if my abusive boyfriend kidnapped somebody what would I do? I'd be scared in to submission and reluctantly help. It's survival mode! Trauma bond is a real thing. Stockholm Syndrome is a real thing. Untold damage over years...& it feels impossible to break that cycle. I should know. You are an idol of mine. Thank you for another intelligent discussion and spreading awareness. ♡

[@codacolvin9868]

thank you so much , Jess

[@Johnnyloop404]

I’m smashing the like button vehemently. Yes yes and yes. Thank you for bringing this up!

[@RealPumpkinJay]

I literally started watching your videos because I was at a loss when a friend of mine in another state got life with the possibility of parole. Thanks for making these videos.

[@Rtytanicj]

Yet another wonderful video. DV is a topic that really needs to be talked about and things need to change on. Great video. Sending you so much love 💜

[@foreverjennicole]

Love you so much Jess. Thank you for all you do.

[@j-s-m-rasmr5292]

I am so proud of you ! You have built a life for you and your family that you can be proud of! I admire how you use stories and experience from your past to inspire and make changes !! You make a difference! Thank you for what you do!! People need to wake up and take a stand - the justice system needs our attention! ASAP!

[@jasonmceachern587]

Jessica I always learn something from every video

[@nikkic0509]

Thank you for bringing awareness, so many people don’t understand, and they question why you don’t just leave. It’s just not always that easy for many reasons. Finally, after 16 years of marriage of mental and physical abuse, I got out. After I got out, then he made the next couple years of my life a living hell as well. Everyone’s situation is different, but still so much the same. With all that said, I was one of the lucky ones.

[@hollywoodinked]

Jessica, I’m going to tell you that I love your stories. You’re such an inspiration. I am an addict myself. Clean 14 years. Worked in rehab centers while going to school to be a medic - spent 5 years as a medic and 3 years ago became a cop, something that I never thought I’d do. But I’m driven to be the change that I want to see, which is why I do what I do. A year ago I became a crisis intervention specialist, now I deal with people in crisis, either suicidal or drunk or under the influence. One of the first girls I ever talked to as a cop I keep in touch with, she’s going on two years clean. I’m proud of you. Keep doin what you’re doing. Much love from New Orleans.

[@sakura_mw]

Thank you so much for making this video! There are so many in positions of power (judges, police, CPS workers, landlords, employers etc) who are not trained/don't care when it comes to DV and that makes it even harder for survivors

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Right

[@lotusflower474]

Thank you for making this video. It’s important we all hear these women’s stories.

[@pinkgiraffe378]

This is a really emotional video, you can see how much you care for these people. ❤

[@DNell-kd4de]

I am so happy you are doing this !!! Why would anyone not understand why someone would not leave and/or cooperate when they have just become a witness To a murder that was committed by someone who is already abusing them. They would fear for their life at that point!!! Thank you so much for all you do!!!

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Right

[@amandajaydexo]

My mom's best friend who lived in MS was a victim of DV. She asked her work (us postal service) if she could carry her piece, they said no. Smh she told the courts that he was going to kill her and they laughed in her face. One day he stalked her on her mail route, blocked her in a driveway, shot and killed her and then killed himself. 🥺😭

[@lynncrf]

OMG, that is horrific. The poor woman. And I can't understand why employment superseded state law in terms of carrying a gun. ♥️

[@Lisa-mr3sx]

These are the cases that make my heart drop. The ones where the victim knew and basically asked for help or a way to protect themselves and were ignored until it was too late. 🥺

[@amandajaydexo]

@@Lisa-mr3sx we actually helped create a safe shelter for women in MS. Batesville safe shelter. & They're working on sueing the government for her death.

[@amelialangley392]

@@lynncrf because federal law gives the right to employers or businesses to ban anyone, including employees, to have fire arms in their establishment. Federal supersedes any state law.

[@lynncrf]

@@amelialangley392 Oh wow, I didn't know that. It's so unbelievably tragic.

[@kennerp1975]

So I’m pretty impressed with you and enjoy your shorts and other videos. Keep up the good work and keep the faith!

[@MrzBulldoppz]

Love your channel ❤❤❤ Thank you for shedding light on this.

[@kayleyenlow1302]

My cousin is facing life in prison on a double homicide her abusive boyfriend murdered. It is incredibly sad

[@NormaJean951]

Love your videos Jess 😍

[@heathergross2238]

I just love you so much!!!! 💖💖💖 You are such an inspiration to me and so many others!! You are THE QUEEN 🐝!!! Sending love and positivity to you and your family from Ohio!!!

[@melissaharris3890]

There was a guy that killed someone who was molesting his son. Got 25 years. Not that 25 years in prison can ever be a good thing, but he was treated like royalty. No one bothered him because every prisoner in there would defend him

[@Makingofabetterlife]

My Auntie Viola, back 44 yrs ago, my Uncle pulled a gun on her and he got shot. She got 11 mos in jail but work release so she would work at the bar and go back to the jail. She was well known and liked in PSL Fl. back then. I saw her house on the news all the way down in Broward and that was how we found out. It was self defense and i dont feel she should have gotten any time but sadly as your showing too, the time these woman are getting is insane. Sending so much love to all the woman in and out of jail and prison going through this.

[@mehakverma7043]

Girl, you need to write an autobiography. Your life represents so many people who are struggling, and for that, I really thank you. I've always had this prejudice that "all people in jail are scum and they deserve to be there", but ever since I found your videos, you have changed my thoughts completely. And I think every one needs to hear the truth, what happens behind bars.

[@KarineElsa16]

Wow… thank you for speaking out on this.

[@AlenaSky5]

So proud of u for doing this I see great things bc of u Jess don't give up

[@cecilewampler]

Thank you for this video. I left mt abuser 2 years ago and a lot of people in my life just don't get it at all. The court did literally nothing to protect Me. I moved over an hour away because I was in fear of my life

[@DNell-kd4de]

I am so happy you are doing this !!! Why would anyone not understand why someone would not leave and/or cooperate when they have just become a witness To a murder that was committed by someone who is already abusing them. They would fear for their life at that point!!!

[@heatherfox9820]

Thank you for using your platform to bring attention to this . I was in a abusive marriage for 7 years. I broke free for the final time and figured out how to do my own divorce . I signed the papers 4/23, packed up the clothes I could fit in my car and drove 1400 miles south . I’m now in a healthy relationship, have a great job , live in a nice apartment and am happy for the first time in 8 years. It’s hard mentally sometimes to be in a healthy relationship when all you’ve known is DV , gaslighting , etc . But I’m not going to give up . I am currently helping someone in a DV situation do their own divorce and I hope with my experiences I can help more . Keep shining Jessica

[@carolgrady8020]

Great job, Jess. Keep being the voice that have no voice!

[@verbrugghezelda3808]

I had my son in 2012 and I had postpartum depression when I had my 2nd son and didn't have postpartum depression I feel so good and strong

[@theembersinside1420]

Jessica, ur doing SUCH an amazing job w ur channel, ur sobriety, juggling life & now working on a non-profit too. You're truly truly an angel. Ride or Die! 🤘🏻💖

[@timpulver5932]

Great video! Thank you. This is a discussion that needs to be had. Attitudes and actions need to change if we, as a people, want to move further away from being a brutal society.

[@kenziewenzieasmr9800]

Sooo glad you’re talking about this! I’ve been to court for DV and the lawyers called me a “overly sensitive little girl” when I had been literally choked. 🥴🥴🥴 people don’t care about DV victims. Plus if you up the statistics a lot of people in some kind of power end up being perpetrators (ie a lot of times police officers) and I know first hand from a family friend who joined the force to make a difference for people of color and he said and I quote “it’s a legal gang” and they would turn on you or not come for back up if you reported a fellow officer. It makes a lot of sense to me that the law doesn’t care about survivors. Plus they already call r*pe and SA women’s issues it’s sad but not surprising that they would do the same about DV.

[@theakaneko]

Thanks for this video, Jess. DV is no joke, especially because it is probably a lot more prevalent than anyone knows since there is so much shame placed on the abused, by their abuser and by society. So many don't have a paper trail. And even when there is, I know people who are on the wrong side of it just because of their sex. I was let go because I was out of mine's immediate sphere. I helped my best friend hide when she escaped hers. It would be so easy to become one of those lifers, or a statistic like "it can happen to anyone. Why didn't they get out before x happened" Like I'm glad that people don't know how hard it is... but it sucks when there are so many hoops to jump through to "prove" your pain. Especially when not all DV is physical. Especially when it isn't always physical.

[@pinkgiraffe378]

The idea of the death penalty is insane to me, in the uk it was outlawed in like the 60s, and it's crazy that it still happens in the us.

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Right

[@Annie-ec7sb]

Jess! You really have changed my way if thinking of these issues. I'm not American, I don't live in America, and have not crossed paths with former felons or felons. Theoretically I have no business in what you are telling us, but... It really have changed my way of thinking. About a lot more things than just prisons or jails. 😳 Thank you for educating me on things I might have never learned without you. 🥰

[@abbigailcarr2725]

She does do videos reacting to the conditions of prisons in other countries. They are not often much more humane and you absolutely need to research and criticise the justice and prison systems where you live. So often in many places, a court of law is a theatre and whoever’s lawyer puts on a better show and spins a better story wins.

[@cattolbert4267]

As a person who survived a very @busive relationship- thank you for speaking up. I left and survived- but other woman didn't- you are amazing person ❤️

[@caitlincoleman391]

I'm pretty sure that in the UK we have what's called the 'slow burn' defence where victims of DV that have killed there abusers after years of abuse can use the years of abuse as a reason and defence for their actions

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Sad but true

[@junetay412]

Long time watcher here! Love you Jess!! And if you respond I’ll pass out LOL! Have a wonderful day and weekend!

[@JessicaKent]

Don't pass out!!! 💚💚💚💚

[@peggylowery8062]

So sad. Praying for them. Love you girl 😘

[@judyt.5702]

Picked up your channel days ago. At first I thought I misread the title. But I was really interested in your story. I think you are so brave to be so forthcoming with your story and your boyfriend too.I agree with everything I have heard from you and Reese. There but for the grace of God. That could have been me. Growing up my circumstances could have led to drugs. Luckily I didn't like the way they made me feel. Loss of control makes me feel guilty. Maybe that is vanity. I have known people with severe addictions and no

[@judyt.5702]

It could have been me.Someone I know recently made amends to me. But really I found out what led to their addiction. It made me more understanding. So that you Jessica for your videos. I appreciate the insight and progress you have made. ❤

[@CMM726]

Thanks for sharing these women’s stories. A lot of people don’t understand how codependent women with ptsd from DV react in these situations. Most people react to a violent situation with fight/flight/ freeze. DV victims often freeze bc in the past when they tried to leave they were beaten and threatened. They usually are the types of ppl who don’t take charge of situations anyways bc after years of abuse manipulation and disrespect, they are not confident in their ability to assess and determine what to do next. They look to everyone else to tell them what to do due to trauma. Without therapy they can’t overcome this. This is why they won’t do anything such as get to a phone and call police. They will look to the abuser for what to do next out of fear and trauma

[@normabryan1824]

I am 60 years old. FOURTY years ago at age 20 I was battered and abused by an asshole for over a year. I had busted lips, black eyes, kicked ect. When I FINALLY got away, he stalked me. I was at a friend's house and my abuser was sitting in his car in the road. I needed to leave. I called the cops and told them that my stalker/abuser was sitting and waiting on me. I told the cops that I was scared to go outside. The cop said unless I had a bruise right now, they wouldn't come help me. I had to stay there until he left 10 hours later..... Domestic violence never leaves your spirit. It changed me forever..

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Right

[@codieratliff4634]

as someone who has been in several dv relationships I respect you for bringing awareness to this and some don't have a choice but to defend themselves. my 3 yr old sons real dad best the hell out of me several times and he even tried to cut my baby out of my belly. I almost lost my son cause of him and I had several complications during my pregnancy.

[@kosipova01]

Damn, i can’t imagine how terrifying it is for these women who are suffering and can’t leave. Instead of protection and support, we put them in prison

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Right

[@NJ-Cathie]

Excellent talk. Adding to the issue is poor legal defense from public defenders.

[@heathermcscusemebish1981]

I am a dv survivor and I will be the first one to tell you I would have def feared that no matter what I would have been hunted down. I almost got locked up for knocking my abuser out and he ended up with brain damage honestly thank God or I would still get him. The only reason I want picked up is because before I did that to him he beat me to an inch from dying with a hockey stick and my case was dismissed due to self defense... But thank you Jess for always touching on such important topics 🥰

[@bruppieo5118]

So from a legal perspective if your much larger abuser that you’re terrified of pulls a gun on you, are you legally supposed to just let them shoot you? I was in a situation when I was younger and for people who say oh there are places you can call, I called one of those places because I was afraid and my abuser was in the home sleeping and she told me I couldn’t speak to her while he was in the home (he always was) and hung up on me.

[@Mark-yb1sp]

Great video, Jess 👍🏻

[@Halloween111]

When asked about Western Civilization, Gandhi Famously said: "I think it would be a good idea." Scratch the surface a bit and we find the US is a first world third world nation in a lot of ways. We don't try for justice, we want blame assignment. As long as there are bars around someone-anyone, regardless of situation or actual guilt, our culture pats itself on the back and goes back to the latest Iphone.

[@TingTingalingy]

Never heard of the middle east, eh? Somalia is a cool place as well

[@sternthemern7014]

As a current Correctional Officer it is really nice seeing yet another former inmate out and doing well. I follow a guy on here who is a model now. Seems silly to some but I'm always happy knowing that some are able to get out and better their lives. Keep it up.

[@Ramirez-Rain]

Thank you for sharing There is so much truth in your words Especially bringing forth the importance of understanding DV creates a different state of survival in people. In addition, I see where you explain there is an intuitiveness to speaking with someone who has/has not committed a crime, my question, who is the judge of those "intuitive feelings"? How can we create a system, when we see things are rigged already... how long do we have a conversation with someone...how do we avoid the manipulation from people who "deserve' to be locked up? Loved to hear more

[@andreaanderson6825]

A dear friend of mine's mother served time (life) for killing her dad. He abused her all during their marriage horribly, and because she killed him from a distance, she was convicted. The YEARS of cruelty and battery did not matter. Smh. So, thanks to the conviction, my friend had to grow up without her mother.

[@mermaidx9386]

Wow this is awful

[@meahdahlgren5875]

Right

[@feychildtarot355]

Thank you for sharing this and illuminating how domestic violence victims are treated and misjudged by police and society.

[@mdigityz]

Especially if your partner JUST killed someone, of course you would be too scared to leave. You just saw what they’re capable of!

[@JazminDaneen]

When I was an intern at the St. Louis police department I had to spend time in the city jail ( people awaiting trails or getting their sentence) and when I tell you so many of those women had domestic violence stories... where sexual abuse their entire lives it was heart breaking.. it's like you can pinpoint right when the system failed them and lead them to a life of drugs , crime etc...

[@TheAngelsMommie]

Thank you for bringing awareness to domestic violence. As a domestic violence Survivor it is so important to bring awareness and we appreciate that. We also understand the cycle of domestic violence the victim gets hurt and then they're apologetic and stuff like that and then they're all I promise I'll never do it again and then they're right back to being hurtful. Domestic violence stole the two most precious Irreplaceable blessing. Our twin daughters Michelle and Meghan were murdered by their sperm donor before they even got a chance Michelle died denied that he beat us and Meghan Lived 5 hours. People after they had gotten to that point asked us why we were still with him why did we stay with him when he was physically emotionally sexually assaulting us and the one word answer is fear. This happened in 2006 and we still cannot put our face on social media and we still have to be very careful that he does not find us.

[@meahdahlgren5875]

I'm sorry you want though that

[@deborahward595]

Thank you so much for this video Jess I am a victim of DV and this helps me so much the system should do something for the victims of DV

[@valeriem.proulx4922]

Thank you for bringing this very real problem into the light. Growing up my mom married quite a few men and lived with many more. All were abusive to both me and her in so me way or another. Unfortunately when I was 18 I got pregnant by my boyfriend and my family pushed me to marry him (at that point nobody knew about the abuse that I was already dealing with.) I like to think that some of them wouldn't have pushed me into marriage... Well everyone except my mom. She probably still would have pushed me into it, after all she's the one who taught that those kind of things were normal, and she didn't believe me anyway. While I was pregnant the abuse got so much worse, even worse than what I saw her go thru when I was a child. When my daughter was born, things didn't get better like I hoped they would. When he was drinking (while I was the only one working while he stayed home drinking or going around to the stores stealing alcohol. He even put our daughter at risk with his drinking. I remember coming home to a horrible smell while he sat there drinking with one of his buddies. He had burned a GIANT hole in our mattress. I was pissed! I made the mistake of telling him he put our girl at risk so he threw a half full beer can at me. It missed me and landed maybe an amazing inch from her head in the crib. That was it for me. I went across the street with my baby and called the cops, and promised myself that I would never deal with that kind of abuse again. And I've stuck by that. Now I'm 49, and married to a wonderful man who could never imagine doing something to hurt me, or my kids and grandchild.

[@jenellegaerte8469]

Great video! Your hair color is perfect! 😍

[@judyt.5702]

I agree with you Jessica.❤