Everything that incarceration stands for is antithetical to what the wellness industry pledges to be about.
Therapy, exercise, and time in nature are being touted as coping mechanisms for many.
What littleprogramming exists (such as GED classes and addiction support) has largely stoppedbecause of the pandemic.
The isolation is exacerbated by one of the other unnatural rules of incarceration: no touch.
We need touch as humans; touch isvitaltoconnectionand well-being.
Yettouchingislargelybannedand can lead to discipline, particularlynowin pandemic times.
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Incarcerated women, for example, are30 times more likely to be rapedthan free women.
Prison food is notoriouslyinedible.
The incarcerated live inunsanitaryconditions with littlesunlight.
Exerciseoutdoorsis a luxury afforded maybe a few hours a week, sometimes inmetal cages.
The pandemic is even being used as an excuse to deny inmates access toexercise and fresh air.
In addition to deprivation and isolation, incarceration is also built on a foundation of control and submission.
Every aspect of an inmates life is heavily controlled.
There is no privacy.
There are very few opportunities to make your own choices.
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Inmates are expected to do exactly what guards say, when they say it.
Articulating ones needs or attempting to set a boundary is interpreted as defiance or disobedience and swiftly punished.
The destabilizing uncertainty that we all feel as we navigate this pandemic,When will this be over?
Can I see my friends?
Where can I get a test?
What is The Missionary Sex Position?
How different would it be if we had a justice system focused on healing all forms of harm?
That taught people non-violent communication, boundary setting, mindfulness, and self-soothing techniques?
How different would it be if we had a justice system focused onhealing all forms of harm?
That taught people non-violent communication, boundary setting, mindfulness, and self-soothing techniques?
That incentivized community ties and providededucation,job training/placement, andhousing?
Ourpeer nationsprovide examples of how this can be done.
Human isolation and torture are replaced withprogramming, nature, care, and community.
It can be done with the help of the wellness industry, which has so much to offer.
As things stand, mental health is a privilege of the few.
She is the Legal Working Group coordinator forAbolition Apostles.
Raised in California, Natasha is also a dual American and Brazilian citizen.
She can be found on Twitter@natashatbakeror on Instagram at@natasha.t.baker.
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