This section publishes stories about individuals’ experiences with the criminal justice system.
There are so many ways that people have interacted with the system, and so many stories to tell.
Experiences aims to tell those stories, presented as beautiful feature articles.
The entertainment and news media loves to show a confrontational and violent “don't back down” version of prison life, but what they don't show is the genuine care and openness between strangers in prison.
I’d never have guessed at the amount of movement happening within the prison system. Not just within a particular prison – that in itself was eye-opening – but movement between prisons.
Prisons de-individualise and dehumanise people. This is often more apparent for people who already do not fit the mold of a “normal person”, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (autism).
I am raising this issue in the hope that sharing my story will spark change in the future.
I drive through the gate and see women in blue. They’re going about their morning, just like everyone else in the world – except they’re in prison.
Shane Cuthbert was once in prison – now he is in politics, fighting for rights of the criminalised.
I was 12 when Mum went to prison. Instead of crying, I threw myself into planning everything we’d do once she came back.
My name is Leslie. I am a 66-year-old New Zealander and I have been incarcerated since August 2023 on a charge of dangerous driving causing GBH.
My name is Michael, and I am a person who has an ABI (acquired brain injury) and I have done a lot of time in prison.
“Keep your shit together, don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
Sometimes, it can be hard for people to tell their stories, especially when trying to describe things that cannot be put into words. Photovoice is a way to deal with this – it is a research method where people take photographs about aspects of their lives or topics that are important to them.
The community is now watching, listening and aware of lockdowns inside our prisons. The persistence with media, radio and newspaper, and with emails and phone calls is finally paying off. Next – a protest. What else is left to do?
Jail is a journey, and it is certainly not over the moment they hand you a release certificate, open that gate and send you on your way.
Help keep the momentum going. All donations will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. If you would like to pay directly into our bank account to avoid the processing fee, please contact donate@abouttime.org.au. ABN 67 667 331 106.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
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