TRANSFORMATION NOT TORTURE

Solitary confinement, a practice that has long raised ethical and humanitarian concerns, is receiving renewed scrutiny and pushback in the United States. “Transformation Not Torture” embodies a movement that is committed to replacing solitary confinement with alternatives that are fundamentally different than solitary – alternatives rooted in rehabilitation, human dignity, and reintegration into society. To […]

IT NEVER ENDS

In this hour, the words “It Never Ends” morph into “It Ends Now”, an homage to the growing anti-solitary movement and a rally cry for all those dedicated to making the world a better, safer, and more humane place. We drew this quote from the words Nelson Mandela famously used to describe solitary confinement.  He […]

I NEED HELP NOT TORTURE

The practice of solitary confinement has long been a source of controversy within the criminal justice system. Often perceived as a measure for managing “the worst of the worst”, the reality is that it is frequently used for minor infractions and, alarmingly, as a form of retaliation by corrections officers. A growing body of research […]

IT’S BUILT TO BREAK YOU, TO BREAK YOUR SPIRITS, TO BREAK YOUR MIND

Tarah Dorsey is an extraordinary individual who has not only survived the harrowing experience of solitary confinement but has also dedicated herself to the cause of reforming this deeply flawed system. Tarah is an active advocate and her her firsthand knowledge has become a powerful force for change. In this enlightening quote, Dorsey offers a […]

PERDONA ME MADRE

This poignant quote comes from Juan Diaz, a man who has endured over two decades of incarceration in New York, with a significant portion of that time spent in solitary confinement. These words carry many meanings, shedding light onthe profound yearning for rehabilitation, the effects this form of torture has on loved ones of people […]

TORTURE HAS NO AGE LIMITS

Solitary confinement is a controversial and often misunderstood aspect of the criminal justice system. Rather than being a tool for discipline and security, it is widely recognized as an abuse of power that does not work as intended. Its effects on incarcerated people, particularly youth and the elderly, raise serious concerns. The Pervasiveness of Putting […]

THAT’LL TEACH YOU

This quote by Shannon Richardson, sheds light on the dark and disturbing reality that many individuals are subjected to solitary confinement for minor infractions, often driven by reasons related to mental health, reporting abuse, or even pregnancy. Shannon Richardson’s experience, as shared in her article from our partner, Solitary Watch, highlights the profound injustices and […]

CRUEL, NOT UNUSUAL

From a constitutional standpoint, the use of solitary confinement raises significant and compelling concerns. The Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution explicitly prohibits “cruel and unusual punishments.” While the Supreme Court has not issued a definitive ruling on the constitutionality of solitary confinement, numerous legal scholars and advocates argue that subjecting individuals to prolonged isolation and sensory deprivation constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

WAKING IS THE MOST TRAUMATIC

These words of Cesar Villa resonate with a profound and haunting truth. A man who endured fifteen years of isolation, Villa’s quote, “Waking is the most traumatic,” encapsulates the trauma that festers in the shadows of solitary confinement. In the below repost of his article first printed by Solitary Watch, we step into the world […]

THIS ROAD TO HELL WAS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS

The history of solitary confinement is a stark reminder of how even the most well-intentioned reforms can go awry when not carefully implemented and monitored. What began as a Quaker-inspired effort to reform incarcerated people and promote penitence has evolved into a practice with detrimental psychological and physical consequences.