Women In Prison

If you're interested in learning about the reality of prison life for women, we have two former inmates who have shared their personal experiences. These stories offer a unique and enlightening perspective on the lives of incarcerated women, providing a glimpse into a world that may differ from the popular Netflix series, Orange Is the New Black. Prepare yourself for an intimate and eye-opening journey as you explore the narratives of these women behind bars.

One individual shared their experience of being locked up in a women's prison at the age of 21. Upon arrival, they were asked if they were addicted to anything, and if they mentioned benzos or alcohol, they were given a daily dose of 4mg of Klonopin. For the first two weeks in the drug treatment area, things were relatively calm, with some verbal fights but also a sense of camaraderie among the women. They had group sessions and AA meetings, which were particularly emotional for the women with children who expressed their longing and commitment to their kids now that they were sober.

The living arrangements consisted of a two-floor trailer with rooms containing four bunks and a community bathroom with individual showers. The bathroom stalls and showers were often used for intimate encounters, and there was a peculiar practice of distributing electric shavers every few days, which some women used for dry shaving their legs and pubic hair. Some even used the non-cutting side of the shavers for other purposes, which the individual found repulsive. Basic amenities such as a microwave, access to hot water for noodles and coffee, and supplies like stamps, paper, pens, pads, toilet paper, shampoo/soap, and toothbrush/paste were provided.

During recreational time, the women could walk around the compound or participate in various classes such as yoga, AA, Zumba, gym, and library activities. However, after two weeks, the individual was moved to the maximum security part of the prison. This section was housed in a high-tech building with one bunk per room, and the women were locked in for most of the day. They had limited access to hot water and no longer had any classes. Women who hadn't paid fines were placed with individuals convicted of harming children, and they faced social isolation. The individual witnessed numerous fights, including one incident where a woman was almost seriously injured.

Despite the challenging environment, the individual managed to avoid conflicts by staying in their cell, reading, drawing, and writing letters. They maintained a positive attitude, listened more than they spoke, and earned the nickname "Smiles" despite their own struggles with depression and anxiety.

Another individual shared their experience of spending 36 days in county jail on a contempt charge related to their involvement with opioids. They observed that the majority of women in the pod were either going through withdrawal or on the verge of it. The first week was particularly difficult for them as they experienced withdrawal symptoms without access to pain relief. However, the support and comfort from fellow inmates who understood addiction made the experience somewhat bearable. They emphasized the importance of getting clean and avoiding jail.

In conclusion, these personal accounts shed light on the realities of prison life for women, highlighting the challenges, camaraderie, and the need for support and resources.