A new bill introduced in the Louisiana Senate seeks to provide stronger legal protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking who act in self-defense. If passed, SB 152 would allow courts to consider a victim’s history of abuse when determining the legality of their actions.

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BATON ROUGE, LA (3-minute read) — A proposed Louisiana Senate bill could offer critical legal protection to domestic violence and human trafficking victims who defend themselves against their abusers. Senate Bill 152 (SB 152), introduced by Senator Beth Mizell, seeks to ensure that a victim’s history of abuse or exploitation can be taken into account during legal proceedings—especially when the defendant claims self-defense.

Under SB 152, a non-violent crime committed by an abuse survivor could be legally justified if the act was necessary to prevent imminent death, bodily harm, or sexual assault. This bill acknowledges the psychological and physical toll of prolonged abuse and trafficking, and aims to prevent the justice system from further victimizing those already harmed.

The proposed legislation includes specific conditions: the defendant must have been victimized by the same individual against whom the self-defense was used, and there must be credible evidence supporting the history of abuse or trafficking. The bill does not apply to crimes involving violence, sexual offenses, or cruelty to juveniles.

Supporters of the bill argue that it corrects long-standing legal oversights that have penalized survivors for defending themselves. Alexandra Bailey, an advocate who shared the story of a woman charged in connection to her abuser’s death despite being a victim herself, emphasized the importance of this law: “We are interested in going after perpetrators. We are not interested in punishing victims.”

If signed into law, SB 152 would take effect on August 1, 2025. The legislation could pave the way for similar laws across the country, offering hope and legal recourse for those who have survived horrific abuse but faced criminal prosecution for protecting themselves.

Expanding Legal Rights for Survivors of Violence

For concealed carriers and self-defense advocates, this bill highlights the importance of understanding how legal systems interpret use-of-force laws. While most states allow self-defense, the presence of a victim’s background and their history with an abuser can vary in how it’s considered in court. Bills like SB 152 help clarify these nuances and offer protection for those forced to act under extreme circumstances.

Safety Tip: Always know the self-defense and use-of-force laws in your state. In high-stress situations, understanding your legal protections beforehand can make a critical difference in how your actions are judged in court.