decriminalizing mental illness
If you or someone you know is a Virginian who has been charged with felony assault against a police officer while experiencing a mental health crisis, we want to hear from you.
there's strength in numbers
In 2019 over 1,600 felony assault against an officer charges were filed in Virginia. Hundreds of these encounters resulted from a mental health emergency. Partner for Mental Health knows this is just one example of the criminalization of mental illness.
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“Defelonizing” assault on law enforcement officers is now being considered by Virginia legislators. Felony records prevent people from obtaining housing and employment, both of which are necessary components of mental health recovery. Partner for Mental Health is collecting stories of Virginians who were charged with felony assault against law enforcement officers while they were in mental health crises. These stories will be shared with legislators as they consider reclassifying the charge as a misdemeanor.
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Mental illness should never be criminalized, and this is good first step in the right direction.
Tell us your story
If you or someone you know has been charged with felony assault on a law enforcement officer while experiencing a mental health crisis in Virginia, please share your story below. Additional stories related to the intersection of mental illness and felony assault on an officer charges we want to hear include:
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Instances of charges being reduced or dropped
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Charges against people under the influence of drugs or alcohol
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When attempts to receive mental health treatment prior to the charge were unsuccessful
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Family members or friends who decided not to call 911 when their loved one was experiencing a mental health crisis for fear of a poor outcome
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The experiences of first responders assaulted by a person in a psychiatric crisis
People of color living with mental illness are especially vulnerable to abusive use of felony assault on a law enforcement officer charges. We hope you will indicate the race of everyone involved in your story to best inform our advocacy work.
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Submitted stories become the property of Partner for Mental Health for the purpose of advocating for criminal justice reform in Virginia. You may submit your story anonymously. If you have any questions or are interested in working with us on this issue, please contact Partner for Mental Health.
contact us
Connect with us
434.977.4673
advocacy@partnerformentalhealth.org
911 East Jefferson Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
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