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Panel Discussion: Examining Domestic Violence from a Deincarceration Lens
This panel discussion will explore the intersection of domestic violence, criminalization, and mass incarceration. By centering the voices of formerly incarcerated survivors, this panel will examine how systemic bias, trauma, and punitive justice measures perpetuate cycles of abuse and incarceration. Panelists will share personal stories and insights, highlighting factors that shape survivors’ experiences within the legal system. The discussion will examine the systemic failures that lead to the criminalization of survivors, the barriers they face during reentry, and the need for policies prioritizing healing, support, and rehabilitation over punishment. Designed for a diverse audience of survivors, advocates, professionals, and policymakers, the event aims to foster understanding, inspire action, and contribute to the broader movement for criminal justice reform and a compassionate response to domestic violence.
NaJei Webster - Moderator
NaJei Webster, better known as JeiJei, is a formerly incarcerated warrior in this fight for justice. JeiJei is an educator, mentor, advisor, as well as a student in this work. JeiJei has a passion for advocating for women who cannot use their voices. Women will not be forgotten or disregarded in any room that she graces. JeiJei served 8 years, 8 months and 15 days, where this passion was embedded in her. Since regaining her freedom, JeiJei now uses her voice to speak to legislators on issues that harm her community. After returning to society, she obtained custody of her younger brother while mentoring young women with the hopes of preventing them all from landing in prison. JeiJei hopes that by educating people on the facts of this broken system, we can change the horrible narrative of people impacted by the system.
LaToya Baines - Panelist
LaToya Baines was born in Chicago, IL and raised in a single-parent home. She graduated high school and is a proud mother of two. After experiencing 9.5 years of incarceration, LaToya returned home and immediately focused on full-time parenting while embarking on her professional journey. She started her working as a custodian, and then progressed to roles as a server and a packager, ultimately becoming a Case Manager-a position she has proudly held for the last two years. She finds her work as a Case Manager to be deeply fulfilling, as it allows her to support others in ways she never thought possible. She holds a Certificate of Achievement in Case Management and has been honored with a Resilience Award. LaToya is dedicated to creating a platform that supports mothers in reconnecting with their children and families, and her goal is to make that vision a reality.
Lott Howard - Panelist
Lott Howard (he/him) is a 38-year-old survivor of domestic violence and childhood abuse, whose journey has been shaped by resilience in the face of adversity. Initially sentenced to a short-term incarceration, Lott’s struggles with mental health were used against him, leading to an additional 16 years in prison. This extended sentence disrupted his goals, as he was unable to participate in school while incarcerated.
Michelle Clopton - Panelist
In May 1996 Michelle Y. Clopton was tortured by members of the Chicago Police department to confess to a crime. She served 27 years inside the Illinois Department of Corrections. She has been free since August, 2023. Each and every day she wrestles with maintaining from the torture she had to experience as a African-American woman. Ms. Clopton is an inspiring, uplifting activist and organizer who focuses on helping to win the support of the Chicago Southside community residents. Since her release she has helped to win the support for the memorial in the Washington Park community. She is excited to be among staff with Chicago Torture Justice Memorial – CTJM, and look forward toward achieving all responsibilities assigned under her agenda.
Deon Griggs - Panelist
Deon Griggs joined IPP’s Women and Survivors Project as a Survivor Advocate, where he assists in reentry planning and advocacy for clients. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Deon’s family members experienced unaddressed mental health challenges and gender-based violence. This experience led him to work supporting folks who face criminalization by the system. Prior to joining IPP, Deon worked as an advocate in Family Defense for Mothers in North Tulsa, where he assisted mothers in system navigation and advocated for them while they faced DHS involvement. In this work, Deon implemented strategies to combat the criminalization of mothers by the child welfare system, combating systems of oppression and advocating for those who face dehumanization and criminalization by the state.
