Jessica Silva killed her abusive partner to protect her family | 60 Minutes Australia

On Mother’s Day 2012, 23-year-old Jessica Silva stabbed and killed her partner, the father of her young son. Last month she walked free from court, despite being convicted of manslaughter. Now for the first time Jessica tells her tragic tale of survival. Subscribe here: Full Episodes here

She was the victim of domestic abuse, suffering years of verbal and physical attacks by her partner, James Polkinghorne. On that fateful night, Jessica made a split-second decision to save herself and her family. In this 60 Minutes exclusive, Jessica opens up about her life with Polkinghorne and recounts what happened the night that ended in his death. And she makes a nerve-wracking trip to see his father to seek his forgiveness. On 7 December 2016, the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal quashed Jessica’s conviction for manslaughter finding that her actions were lawful in self-defence.

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For forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Allison Langdon, Tara Brown, Charles Wooley, Liam Bartlett and Sarah Abo look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.

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