The Oklahoma Survivor's Act is a new law that provides sentencing relief for survivors of domestic violence and abuse who are convicted of crimes linked to their abuse.

How did it become law?

The Act was first introduced as Senate Bill 1470 in 2023, but failed to pass. In 2024, it was reintroduced and revised as Senate Bill 1835. Governor Kevin Stitt initially vetoed the revised bill in April before signing it into law on May 21, 2024.

The law took effect on Aug. 29, 2024.

April Wilkens was convicted in 1999 for killing her ex-fiance in Tulsa County. Wilkens claimed the shooting was in self-defense after enduring years of domestic and sexual abuse. She was sentenced to life in prison.

Wilkens was the first person to file under the Oklahoma Survivor's Act. Her case and the advocates su

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