10,000 Letters And The Problem With How America Prosecutes Women Who Kill

In March 2019, journalist Justine van der Leun sat in a New York courtroom for the murder trial of Nicole Addimando. After years of abuse, Nikki had shot and killed the father of her two young children after he violently raped her. As the prosecution painted her as a “master manipulator”, Justine was left wondering: was this normal?

Determined to find out, she surveyed 10,000 incarcerated women across 27 American states. More than 90 per cent of those who responded reported a history of abuse, and 28 per cent said their crime was a direct act of survival.

Purchase Justine's book Unreasonable Women.

To Help Tanisha visit Justine's website here.

We want to hear from you! Take our quick 3-minute survey for your chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

GET IN TOUCH

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @truecrimeconversations

Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note.

MAMAMIA OFFERS:

Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same. Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes.

CREDITS

Host & Executive Producer: Gemma Bath