Last summer, a visit to Mabel Bassett Correctional Center (MBCC) in McLoud, Oklahoma – the state’s largest women’s prison – revealed a complex story of domestic abuse, incarceration, and a recent attempt at legal reform.
A Push for Sentencing Reform
April Wilkens has spent over 25 years at MBCC following her 1998 conviction for the shooting death of her ex-fiancé, Terry Carlton. Testimony revealed she had previously sought facilitate from law enforcement regarding abuse, rape, and stalking by Carlton, but her pleas were reportedly met with indifference. Wilkens’ case became central to efforts to pass legislation offering potential sentence reductions for survivors of domestic violence.
In 2022, Tulsa attorneys Colleen McCarty and Leslie Briggs visited Wilkens and proposed a legislative solution to address the long sentences faced by survivors of abuse. Their advocacy culminated in the passage of the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act in 2024.
The Act does not automatically reduce sentences. Instead, it allows survivors to petition for relief by demonstrating that domestic abuse was a “substantial contributing factor” in their offense, with a judge ultimately making the decision.
An Inmate-Led Survey
Following the meeting with the attorneys, Wilkens took the initiative to understand how widespread her situation was within MBCC. She drafted and distributed a questionnaire to other inmates, asking about their experiences with domestic violence and its connection to their crimes. Despite the risk of disciplinary action, she surveyed fellow inmates in the rec yard, library, and chow hall.
One hundred and fifty-six women responded to the questionnaire, detailing experiences of emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Many described a system that had failed them, with some recounting instances of abuse preceding their offenses and others detailing inadequate legal representation. Some respondents had even killed their abusers, with one writing, “One night just snapped, shot & killed my husband.”
The responses became foundational to the legislative push, illustrating the intersection of abuse and criminal charges. However, despite the passage of the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, Wilkens and many other women with similar stories remain incarcerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mabel Bassett Correctional Center?
Mabel Bassett Correctional Center is a multi-function facility for female inmates in McLoud, Oklahoma, serving as a reception and assessment center and housing women requiring specialized medical or mental health care.
What does the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act do?
The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act created a mechanism for survivors of domestic violence to petition for relief from their sentences, requiring them to demonstrate that domestic abuse was a “substantial contributing factor” in their offense.
How many women responded to April Wilkens’ questionnaire?
One hundred and fifty-six women filled out and returned the questionnaire drafted by April Wilkens regarding their experiences with domestic violence.
As the stories from Mabel Bassett demonstrate, the path to systemic change can be slow, and arduous.
Worth a look