The Solution to Family Violence Is Not Incarceration

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The United States criminal justice system treats the issue of family violence—also known as domestic violence—as a problem that can be solved through police intervention and incarceration. However, this type of violence remains underreported, and far too often incarceration only worsens the violence by continuing cycles of trauma. 

Dortell Williams, a regular correspondent with YES! Presents: Rising Up With Sonali, has firsthand experience with the impacts of family violence. He is currently serving a life sentence without parole at Mule Creek State Prison in California and spoke with YES! Senior Editor Sonali Kolhatkar about what family violence is and how it can be addressed without relying on policing and incarceration.