GA HR1345

Nicole Boynton became the first person in Georgia to be re-sentenced under the Survivor Justice Act after serving 23 years of a life sentence she received at age 18 for acting in self-defense against her abusive boyfriend

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence's Justice for Incarcerated Survivors program connected Boynton with law firm Alston & Bird, which worked pro bono for five years to vacate her life sentence

While incarcerated, Boynton earned her GED, obtained licenses in welding, cosmetology, and food truck operation, earned CNA certification, and served as a Peer Mentor facilitating domestic violence support groups

Women's incarceration in Georgia has increased 600% since 1980, with 74-95% of incarcerated women having experienced domestic or sexual violence

The resolution formally recognizes Boynton and commends her commitment to justice and advocacy for other survivors and justice-impacted women