Today, on Stark Conversations, I discuss the devaluing of girls and women in the legal system with Jennifer Toon, the Project Director for Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance. A nonprofit led by formerly incarcerated women who envision a society where all women are spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically free from violence and harm in the criminal legal system. 
Our conversation focuses on:

The unique issues girls and women face when they enter and exit the legal system.

How investments in intervention prevent acts of survival that many commit that end in incarceration.

Menstruation, White Uniforms and shaming in prisons

Child Birth in Prisons

There is a need for more resources for many women and girls in the legal system compared to men.

The extreme lack of temperature control and ready access to water in the prison system.

If 95-97% of incarcerated people are released, why are we denying them the resources to heal and recover while incarcerated?

Jennifer reminds us that prison is a consequence, not a form of torture designed to dehumanize inmates.

The saving grace of sisterhood with incarcerated women.