From our comrades in the Free Chrystul Kizer Defense Campaign and Black & Pink MKE:
BACKGROUND
Chrystul Kizer is a black teenage survivor of violence. At only 17-years old, she was charged with multiple felonies for defending herself from an older white man who has been accused of ongoing physical and sexual abuse of not only Chrystul, but multiple other young girls. A resident of Milwaukee, WI, Chrystul spent her 18th birthday incarcerated in the Kenosha County Jail, where she remains confined. If convicted, Chrystul could face a sentence of life in prison. Chrystul needs the opportunity to be supported in safe, healing spaces in the community – not the prospect of additional trauma, assault, and solitary confinement in a Wisconsin penitentiary.
Recent campaigns to free criminalized survivors have highlighted how gender-based violence such as sexual assault is linked to the prison industrial complex. Survived and Punished cites ACLU figures in reporting that almost 60% of people confined in women’s prisons across the United States and up to 94% of some women’s prison populations have a history of physical or sexual abuse prior to incarceration. In addition, we know that policing and prisons disproportionately impacts communities of color. However, these campaigns have illustrated the power of people to raise awareness, make demands, and free survivors.
Right now, District Attorney Michael Graveley is withholding evidence which supports the case for Chrystul’s self-defense. We refuse to allow the criminal punishment system to disappear Chrystul and further traumatize her.
ACTION
This is a call to demand that the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office drop all charges and release Chrystul immediately. Please direct your calls and emails to the DA’s office on January 9, the day before Chrystul’s next court date.
Contact Michael Graveley, Kenosha County District Attorney
Phone: (262) 653-2687
Email: Michael.Graveley@da.wi.gov
Sample Script:
“Hello, my name is [name] and I’m calling from [location]. I am calling in support of Chrystul Kizer. You have charged Chrystul for defending herself from physical and sexual abuse. I am demanding that as District Attorney you use your power to drop all charges against Chrystul and release her immediately.
Chrytsul was only 17 years old when she defended her life from abuse and violence. Removing Chrystul from her family and community of support serves no one. Prosecuting her just furthers the violence and trauma she has experienced during her young life.
Additionally, as District Attorney you are withholding evidence which supports the case for Chrystul’s self-defense. I demand that all evidence be provided to Chrystul’s attorneys so her case can be fully defended.”
DONATIONS TO CHRYSTUL AND FAMILY
Donations support transportation to court, Chrystul’s commissary and other costs her family incurs during this time.
https://www.gofundme.com/free-chrystul-kizer
LETTERS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT TO CHRYSTUL
Chrystul Kizer #3007646
Kenosha County Jail
1000 55th St.
Kenosha, WI 53140
Please do not include any profanity or inciteful language in your letters to ensure that they reach her.