Sin by Silence Blog

5 Way to Help a Convicted Survivor

Jun 2nd, 2009 In: Resources By: admin Comments 2

1.  BECOME A PEN PAL WITH SURVIVORS IN PRISON

Write to the women of Convicted Women Against Abuse, as well, other incarcerated survivors.  Many are open to hearing from you!  They need our support and encourage and words of inspiration after hearing their stories in Sin by Silence.  Click here to find the names and addresses of these amazing survivors.

2. CONNECT WITH ADVOCACY GROUPS

There are various advocacy organizations struggling for incarcerated women’s voices to be heard.  Connect with the groups below so that you find out how you can personally help, be informed about the latest news and needs on behalf of incarcerated survivors.  Join their mailing lists, volunteer, donate and spread the word.

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women
125 south 9th St., Ste 302
Philadelphia, PA 19107
800.903.0111 x3
www.ncdbw.org

California Habeas Project
1540 Market Street, Suite 490
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-255-7036 ext. 309
www.habeasproject.org

3. WRITE LETTERS TO YOUR GOVERNOR

Tell your governor to approve parole for incarcerated survivors of domestic violence.  Look up your state’s contact information at www.usa.gov/Contact/Governors.shtml

4.  WRITE TO YOUR LEGISLATORS

Encourage them to sponsor and support legislation that acknowledges the special circumstances faced by incarcerated survivors of domestic violence.  Look up your state’s contact information at www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

5. SEND ITEMS AND SUPPLIES TO WOMEN IN PRISON

People working in prisons literally on average 10 cents per hour, making it difficult to purchase stamps, books, and other basic supplies.  Donate your old books to replenish the prison law libraries, which often contain only old materials that are out-of-date.

Please contact your state’s prison directly to find out their needs – www.bop.gov/DataSource/execute/dsFacilityLoc