women in prison

Picture a world where our concept of justice is redefined - where punishment is replaced with connectivity and relationship building. This profound shift is the heart of our discussion with the insightful academic, Lisa Guenther, who has extensively researched the effects of solitary confinement on individuals. Lisa gifts us with her wisdom as we scrutinize the impact of solitary confinement, navigating the complex concept of carceral power, and highlighting the controversial issue of carceral feminism.

We're unafraid to question the status quo. As staunch abolitionists, we debunk misconceptions surrounding the abolitionist movement and paint a vibrant picture of a future without prisons. Instead, we explore the possibilities of a society that champions public health solutions and reallocates funds from the criminal justice system towards building a more supportive and equitable world. We dream about a justice secretary who champions diversity and qualifications, a far cry from what we currently have.

We round off our conversation with the gut-wrenching tale of the proposed women's building in Holloway. 

The story is a testament to the collective fight for justice, a struggle marred by the council's mishandling of funds and ignorance of the community's wishes. Lisa shares her experiences, shedding light on the commodification of women's struggles and the necessity to amplify their voices.

 So, join us as we embark on this journey, not just to explore justice, but also to incite action towards a more equitable society.

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Are you ready to journey into the dark realities of the prison system? With our esteemed guest, Lisa Guenther, we invite you to pull back the curtain on the unsettling practice of solitary confinement. Lisa's profound insights, drawn from rigorous research and the lived experiences of those who have suffered the brutality of isolation, will undoubtedly challenge your perspectives. Prepare to confront the weaponization of race, gender, and the devastating psychological impact of prolonged seclusion within the US prison system.

The second part of our conversation shifts focus to women in solitary confinement. Brace yourself as we share heart-wrenching stories from courageous women who have survived this harrowing reality. We critique the incongruity of punishment versus rehabilitation within the justice system and Lisa bravely shares her personal experience as a previously incarcerated woman. Her inspiring journey of resilience and activism, even within the confines of prison, speaks volumes about the urgent need for systemic change.

In the final segment of this episode, we probe the profound concepts of social death and creative resistance within the prison system. We discuss how incarceration often results in a loss of identity, yet, in the face of such adversity, many prisoners demonstrate remarkable resilience. 

The power of language and personal narratives are highlighted as we explore these complex issues. So, come along for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of the prison system. Join us next week as we continue our conversation on revolutionizing international justice systems. Let's learn together, let's grow together, and let's be the catalysts for much-needed change.

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Brace yourselves for a heartening conversation with Lisa Azarmi, the creative mastermind behind the social media sensation, Ravenous Butterflies. Her journey, marked by a difficult upbringing and a tumultuous relationship, weaves a tale of resilience and self-love that is sure to strike a chord with you. She takes us through chapters in her life, from her childhood in Sri Lanka and Malawi to her subsequent move to England, where she found solace and strength through art and self-expression.

Lisa's harrowing experience with coercive control forms a crucial part of her narrative. As she recounts her struggle against emotional manipulation and bullying, she sheds light on the obstacles she faced - a family court system that failed her, friends who didn't understand her plight, and a society that lacks awareness about coercive control. Yet, she emerged victorious, and her journey of survival and resilience lends hope to  many in similar situations.

Lastly, Lisa illuminates the transformative power of art in her life, a tool she used not just to cope with her circumstances but also to create a vibrant community of over a million followers on her social media platform. She shares how her creative journey culminated in the success of her book An Apothecary of Art and offers us a glimpse of her upcoming projects.

Lisa's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find beauty in the darkest of times, and her insights provide a valuable roadmap for those navigating their own challenges. We are honoured and blessed to welcome Lisa to our Rebel Justice family.
Read more about  Lisa Azarmi's journey in the next edition of The View Magazine , our 10th edition,  My body My Choice. Pre-order your copy here .

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How would you feel if you were sentenced to years in a system where the rules and environment constantly evolve? Prepare to peer behind the bars with our guest, Laura Owen, a prison law consultant, and Phil Wheatley, a seasoned prison governor and former Director General of the prison and probation service.

They examine profound changes within our prison system under the microscope, drawing from first-hand accounts of Laura's clients and Phil's on-the-ground experiences. 

Listen in and witness the transformation of the prison community through the lens of those who live and breathe it - from the departure of veteran staff to the entrance of newbies.

Can you imagine a world where the keepers of justice are grappling with funding woes and staffing dilemmas? This episode takes you on a journey into these complexities.

Learn how goodwill, not legal aid props up much of the sector's work, and the unfortunate realities when financial support falls short, leaving essential services like mental health care on the chopping block.

 Join us as we put our heads together with Phil and Laura to brainstorm potential remedies, the incentives that could persuade staff to stay in the profession, and the actions a well-resourced Lord Chancellor could take to mitigate the issues. 

Prepare for a revealing conversation that contrasts the prison system of yesteryears with today's landscape and challenges the status quo.

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Part 1 of 2 Join us for an enlightening conversation with Phil Wheatley, a veteran of 50 years in the prison system, and Laura Owen, a dedicated prison lawyer with 14 years of in-depth experience. Their expertise promises to provide you with a rare and comprehensive insight into the murky intricacies of the prison system. In our discussion, we zoom in on the frequent use of the 'being of good behaviour'  licence condition, a term that has become an easy tool for recalls and subsequently, a major contributor to the backlog of parole cases. 

Together, we unpack the policies that are fuelling a surge in our prison population.

As we continue to dissect the prison system, we draw attention to the growing pressure on probation services, a byproduct of the rise in the prisoner population. Phil and Laura explore the challenges of staff recruitment and retention and the arduous process of enforcing licence conditions. Our seasoned guests also touch on the importance of an effective engagement between probation officers and prisoners in reducing reoffending rates, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.

Finally, we approach the contentious topic of privatization within the prison service. We dissect the government’s motivations behind this shift, and how it has fundamentally impacted the prison system. From the pursuit of cheaper prison running costs  to the impact of funding cuts on the roles of prison officers and rehabilitation opportunities, we leave no stone unturned.

In conclusion, Phil and Laura weigh in on the effects of privatization in the prison system, the challenges that have arisen and the far-reaching implications for access to justice, parole, and rehabilitation. Tune in for an impassioned discussion on the state and future of our prison system.

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Join me and writer director Vince Cusimano as we get sentenced to hard time in THE NAKED CAGE! 

There have been many great women in prison films liked CAGED HEAT, LUST FOR FREEDOM, CHAINED HEAT, REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS. The list goes on and on. Today we discuss the one that we feel is the "Citizen Kane" of women in prison films.

 Join us or you'll be sent to the warden's (Angel Tompkins) office!

WARNING: Spoilers as always!

Find me on Twitter and Instagram @vitotrabucco or thegatesofcimino.com

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Ever wondered how climate justice ties into our daily lives and decisions?

 We sit down with Dr Nigel Gould-Davis and Professor Rupert Reed, leading academics in their respective fields, to delve into this urgent topic.

 They dissect the impact of hasty legislation, exploring how it can lead to oppressive outcomes for climate campaigners. They shed light on the disproportionate effect of the climate crisis on women and discuss the profound need for imagination to bring about systemic change. 

Brace yourself for an intense exploration of China's environmental vulnerabilities and the potential of ecological diplomacy in combating climate change. 

They also examine the transformative promise of regenerative agriculture as we move away from harmful industrialization. 

Listen in as they address the grim reality of repressive laws, and their impact on climate activism, while emphasizing the importance of depolarization for creating progress.

 Lastly, they critically scrutinize the COP process, suggesting a radical shift towards more effective alternatives.

 So, tune in and join this important conversation on collective action and transformation towards climate justice.

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Angela Kirwin, renowned writer-activist and author of the riveting book, How Prisons Are Failing Us All, takes center stage in this episode, providing some harrowing insights into the world of neurodiversity, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
 
Join us as we peel back the layers of societal expectations and the challenges they pose in diagnosing ADHD, especially in women and girls.

This episode mines the groundbreaking work of the ADHD Alliance, shedding light on the invaluable support they provide to neurodiverse individuals within the police force.
 
Hear first-hand about their collaboration on a pioneering study with the City of London Police, where every arrested individual is screened for ADHD, a potentially game-changing approach in the justice system. 

Angela emphasizes the urgency of facing the underlying issues faced by women in prisons, especially mental health concerns and the stark absence of safe housing.

Navigating ADHD can be a profound struggle. Angela draws from her personal journey with ADHD, sharing her frustrations with self-diagnosis, the exorbitant costs linked to a formal diagnosis, and the power of therapy in fostering self-understanding and growth. 

The episode underscores the importance of acknowledging mental health conditions in prisons, and highlights the potential of creative outlets for neurodiverse individuals while cautioning against self-diagnosis. This is a must-listen episode for those intrigued by ADHD, mental health, and the criminal justice system.

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An honest discussion about the difficulties women face when returning home after prison, between Babz Rawls-Ivy and Tiheba Bain, who have been through the experience.

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In this episode Trystan speaks with Bernadette Emerson, an activist and campaigner with IPP Committee In Action, fighting to end the ongoing IPP sentences still in place. IPPs sentences are indeterminate prison sentences which can leave prisoners locked up for decades, often over relatively minor crimes. They have been controversial ever since they were created by Blair's New Labour government, and have even been abolished for over a decade. Despite this, those who were carrying out IPP sentences at the time they ended were not cleared, meaning thousands are still carrying out these sentences today, unsure if or even when they will ever leave. Bernadette knows these horrific injustices well - her partner is in prison today for a minor theft that occurred decades ago, and with no end in sight. Bernadette gives us her insights on this wholly unjust prison sentence, from the political background of this shoddy legislation, to the impacts it's had and continues to have on individuals and families. 

You can learn more about IPP Committee in Action work on their website, at https://ippcommitteeinaction.com

We are also calling on any of you who would be interested in getting involved to write to your MP, asking them to support an Early Day Motion put forward in part due to the work of IPP Committee in Action. The motion calls for an end to the ongoing sentences. If you're short on time, please feel free to copy and paste the following template and amend to include your name - it would be fantastic to get more MPs to push forward on this issue, and with enough pressure it just might happen!

Find MP: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/

TEMPLATE EMAIL:

Dear [MP],

I'm emailing about the horrendous injustices of ongoing IPP sentences, a decade since then justice secretary Ken Clarke abolished them, calling them a "stain" on our justice system. 

The latest figures suggest there are still nearly 3000 people serving such sentences. This is having a devastating impact on their lives and countless others, such as their families and loved ones. Those in prison are often serving sentences for crimes committed nearly two decades ago, initially being given short tariffs, and yet are still inexplicably carrying out those sentences today, with no end in sight. In many cases this punishment has far outweighed the crimes initially committed, a great number being nonviolent crimes often as minor as petty theft. Even within the Commons there seems little opposition to ending these sentences from MPs of all parties, such that it seems merely a matter of pushing for steps to be taken to finally address this oversight. 

The ongoing devastation on families torn apart by these IPP sentences must come to an end. I understand an Early Day Motion was tabled in September of last year, and I would be so happy to see you, as my MP, signing it. 

Best regards,

[NAME]

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Mother’s Day is just a few days away. It can be a complicated day. For some, it could mean a bouquet of flowers or a breakfast in bed. For others, it can mean mourning the loss of a loved one or dealing with a haunted past. And still — for others — like the 66 per cent of incarcerated women in prison who are mothers, it can mean something else entirely.

Despite a reduction in crime in the last 20 years in Canada, many women attempting to make ends meet for their families end up colliding with the prison system.  

In Canada, women’s prisons are filling up. In fact, the fastest-growing prison population in Canada is racialized women. More than one in three women in federal custody are Indigenous. And the percentage of South Asian women and African Canadian women in custody is also disproportionately high.

One of the reasons the women’s prison population is rising is poverty.

Amidst a financial downturn and ballooning economic inequality, criminalizing attempts at survival is staggering. And the effects on families is devastating.  

Adding to this is the complexity that 87 percent of all women in federal prisons in Canada have experienced physical or sexual abuse and many also live with mental health issues.

On this episode of Don't Call Me Resilient, we are joined by Rai Reece, a sociologist at Toronto Metropolitan University who researches prisons and feminist criminology. Lorraine Pinnock also joins us. She is the Ontario Coordinator for the Walls to Bridges program which helps women with education when transitioning out of the system. It’s a transition she has made herself. In 2011, Lorraine was incarcerated at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener. She has two children.

-WELCOME-
My name is Kirsty Harris and I am a Holistic Coach.

Today we are going to go deep into the depths of the Criminal Justice system and my perception of how women are treated in the Criminal Justice System, this is just my perspective - and from working in police custody, courts, community, prisons, probation, I have some stories that still warm my heart to this day.

So if you have a keen interest in the criminal justice world, come along with me and gain what it's really like from an insiders perpective!

Come join us, take some time for yourself and let's find your inner glow together!

-SOCIALS-
Join us on our socials to keep up to date with the latest news!

Website:
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What do we do with people who commit the worst offences? Should they be allowed to be rehabilitated and forgiven, given a second chance to reintegrate and become productive members of society?  Should they be shunned forever and thrown on the human garbage heap reserved specially for women who commit serious crimes?

This week Alexandra Enuc our host speaks with Eleni Psillakis in Australia whose crime we can't write about due to an injunction - she explains her process and thinking around this ban .

Are some crimes easier to forgive than others? Who judges? Who makes those decisions to say someone is repentant and can be afforded redemption?
Her own experiences and acceptance of the life traumas she went through  have led to a change of direction and career pathway and today she manages a successful business helping women with convictions get into rewarding and sustainable paid work.

We invite you to suspend judgement and listen to this brave woman's experience and how she survived and recovered from the brutality of Australia's criminal justice system.

For more on Success Works, see here.
To follow Eleni on LinkedIn click here.

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In this Rebel Justice Podcast our host Trystan Kent speaks with Andrew Morris, former IPP inmate and vocal campaigner against injustices. Andrew sheds light onto the outrageous realities of IPP, and brings his experiences and insight into says we could reform the criminal justice system,  within prisons and wider national reform.  Andrew Morris is the co-founder of the Taking the Initiative party, a political party he started while still incarcerated.

IPP stands for Imprisonment for Public Protection - an indefinite sentence that prevents someone from leaving prison until a Parole Board deems them no longer a risk to society. This significant discretionary power has led to some appalling injustices, with thousands serving sentences  far longer than their minimum tarriffs  with no way of knowing when exactly they would be free again.

Despite being abolished in 2012, there remain thousands of prisoners with these sentences to this day, their lives shrouded in uncertainty.

Andrew was originally given a two year minimum sentence, but after a judge's decision to make this an IPP, this time was dragged out into 12 years behind bars.

During that time Andrew started a political party (Taking the Initiative Party), and since leaving prison he now works for the Prison and Probation Ombudsman, a prison reform consultant, and become a trustee for a prisoner human rights group (The Raphael Rowe Foundation). 

Andrew is an important voice in the campaign against IPP sentences and for radical reform of prison more widely. 

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In today’s episode, one of the founders of The View, Farah Damji, speaks with Siyanda, who was released from prison recently, about her experiences inside, what she learned and what kept her going.  A few weeks ago we brought you an important podcast with Camilla, Siyanda's mother and the force behind the Free Siyanda campaign. Camilla believes her 22 year old daughter who was vulnerable and disabled was let down and has suffered a miscarriage of justice.

She was sent to prison for 4 years and 6 months. Her attackers walked free although Siyanda called the police and was clearly the victim of a racially motivated violent attack. We explore Siyanda's experience inside prison, what she learned, and what kept her going. Siyanda's wrongful incarceration led to the beginning of the Free Siyanda campaign, from which she got a lot of support. After two years and three months, she has faith that this was not the end for her. The unfair sentence has caused a rift between her and the administration of justice.  

She says "There's a miscarriage of justice because I'm a Black woman."

As a Black woman, the judge considered Siyanda a criminal and a threat to the public even though she believes he knew she was not guilty. She felt that the judge had to make some negative comments. While in prison, she did not get any support for her disability; her mum had to send her medication to ease her pain. The situation also caused her trauma leading to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in prison when she finally hit rock bottom.   

Siyanda hopes that with the help of the campaign, she can free herself from the wrongful conviction and help other people in the same situation she was in. Since different organisations could not help black people, especially women who find themselves in prison or in the wider justice system, Siyanda and her legal team took her case to the Court of Appeal and the judge accepted their witness statement as fresh evidence. 

 Amplifying the Free Siyanda campaign will help raise awareness in the community, especially for black people who are racially abused in Wales. There should be a mass movement with people who have been abused to come out and tell their stories.  

Siyanda believes that the justice system should change, and women being sent to prison for the crimes of men should not be incarcerated. 

"For anyone who is not white, your life is irrelevant to them," she says.

 The judge said she had been through so much, after looking at her pre-sentencing report, and she had overcome so much, and there was no reason she could not overcome prison. 

This is an appalling attitude for a judge to take which is literally, "It sounds like you have been abused before; let me abuse you some more."

With the justice system clearly favouring white people, Siyanda said she felt that her life was not as important as a lighter skinned or white person's life. 

For #FreeSiyanda: http://freesiyanda.com/

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This week Oliver Freiberg meets  crisis journalist,  activist and campaigner Samantha Asumadu where they talk about activism, what inspired her, and her recent nomination to the long list of the prestigious Paul Foot Award, for investigative journalism.

The View magazine is the only platform by and for women in the  justice system. Every week we  look at the flaws in the current system and solutions that will make it better and fairer, through art, creativity, acknowledging trauma, legal reform, reporting and oversight.

 The View  examines the intersection of women let down by the agencies, the charities, the NGOs and the support systems meant to protect us, but which fail us.  Over 57% of women in prison have been victims of violence, Women who have been subjected to physical and mental abuse who end up trapped in the justice system. . Why is society letting so many  women down? 

We tell their stories and platform their art and words to bring a more human understanding to the issues  that affect so many women. The Rebel Justice podcast brings you people at the forefront of the changes in our society today,  people on the frontline of domestic abuse and justice services, women with conviction and lived experiences, the reporters, the campaigners, the advocates. 

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Interviewed in this episode:

Retired Det. Sgt. Vincent Weibert, Clovis Police Department

Referenced in this episode:

People v. LARISSA SCHUSTER

People v. JAMES FAGONE

Search on for Missing Man

Body Found in Storage Shed

Schuster Allegedly Feared His Wife

Professor Forever interviews "Magenta" about her time in prison.

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