FairPlanet.Support
| tags: | #USA, #women's rights, #petition, #Change.org, #NGO, #women in prison, #US Congress |
|---|---|
| located: | USA |
| by: | Yair Oded |
Despite the fact that women constitute the largest growing population in prison, both federal and private prison authorities systematically fail to provide them with adequate care and services. Each year, a great number of women experience abuse and neglect behind bars.
Such mistreatment often exacerbates the trauma female inmates experienced before they were imprisoned.
A Change.org petition launched by Pamela Winn, a victim herself of gross mistreatment and abuse behind bars, galvanises support for the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act - a piece of legislation currently making its way through Congress that would provide better trauma-informed care and health services for women in prison, facilitate and strengthen their communication with their families and children and help them reintegrate into their communities once released.
The Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, which was re-introduced in April 2019 by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D- MA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congress members Pramila Jayapal (D- WA) and Karen Bass (D- CA), seeks to pass reforms that would guarantee the safety and well-being of female prisoners across the country.
The bill would stipulate the mandatory distribution of basic hygiene products free of charge to all incarcerated women, terminate the solitary confinement and shackling of pregnant women and provide proper trauma-informed care for women.
The proposed law would also make it significantly easier for female inmates to stay in constant touch with their families and children, by introducing free parenting classes and video conferencing, as well as an overnight visitation program for children and parents.
Please consider signing Winn’s petition and urge Congress to pass the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act.
You may also visit the website of the NGO founded by Winn, RestoreHER, which engages in education, outreach and policy advocacy efforts in order to promote the rights and protection of women affected by incarceration.
Image: RestoreHER
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