Regarding State Question 805
Palomar is deeply committed to public safety and the wellbeing of crime victims and their children.
SQ 805 is a proposed amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that will be on the ballet for the general election on November 3, 2020. If SQ 805 passes, people who repeatedly commit dangerous and predatorial crimes that impact our clients will have the constitutional right to have their sentence reduced. Some of the crimes include:
- Domestic violence in the presence of a child
- Domestic abuse by strangulation
- Domestic assault with a dangerous weapon
- Domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon
- Domestic abuse against a pregnant woman
- Revenge pornography
- Child stealing
- Incest
- Sex offender registration violation
- Peeping Tom
- Indecent Exposure
- Sexual battery
- Stalking
- Obscene, threatening, or harassing telecommunication
- VPO violations
- Animal cruelty
- Transmission of child pornography
- Soliciting sexual conduct with a minor
- Hate crimes
We recognize the need for thoughtful and responsible reform, but these crimes are dangerous, serious, and traumatic for survivors and the community.
The research is clear. Offenders of the crimes listed above often repeat their crimes, which escalate in severity and frequency.
1 in 3 women, or 461,804 women, in Oklahoma will experience domestic violence. Victims have shared with us they feel SQ 805 is dangerous for them and their children.
"When abusers reoffend, it is not a mistake but a choice, and should carry a steeper sentence…this is a step back for victims."