Women face harsher punishments when it comes to self-defense laws

Stand your ground laws have traditionally offered little assistance for those who are the victims of exploitation, violence, and trafficking who defend themselves against their abuser. New laws are changing this. Both New York and Oklahoma have passed legislation offering the consideration of victimization history and subsequent mental health difficulties (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) in sentencing.

-JEANNINE MONNIER, PH.D.

Read more here:  https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/04-05/sentencing-women-abuse-survivors