The YWCA of Nashville fights for the life of abused wife, Gaile Owens
In 1986 Gaile Owens from Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced to death for the murder of her husband. Two weeks ago Owens’ sentence was changed to life in prison and she could be eligible for parole as early as next year due to good behaviour during her 25 years in prison.
According to the newspaper, The Tennessean, the 57-year-old Gaile Owens, was to be executed on September 28th. During her trial however, the fact that she had been physically and sexually brutalised by her husband for years, was never brought up.
Owens has many supporters who pointed to several holes in the case that made her life worth saving. YWCA Nashville, along with other advocacy groups and prominent individuals, can be credited for their unrelenting efforts to find justice for Owens. Her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and the state Supreme Court but they refused to hear her appeal or overturn her death sentence. Finally, Governor Phil Bredesen granted her clemency and changed her sentence to life in prison.
This story shows how the YWCA of Nashville’s role as a staunch advocate on behalf of women helped to spare Owens’ life from a vicious web that can re-victimise victims of domestic violence. Congratulations to the staff of YWCA Nashville!
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