Panelists Highlight Urgent Need for Women's Justice Reform

In a recent government meeting, community leaders gathered to discuss pressing issues surrounding the prison system, particularly the growing number of women incarcerated. Pastor Eddie Anderson and Susan Burton led the panel, addressing the need for a more inclusive conversation about the challenges faced by female inmates, who represent the fastest-growing demographic in prisons.

Burton opened the discussion with a moment of silence for Sonia Massey and Adrienne Bower, two women who recently died in California state prison. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique struggles of women in the criminal justice system, noting that 60% to 70% of incarcerated women were victims of trauma prior to their imprisonment.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Burton shared her journey through multiple incarcerations due to substance abuse, which she attributed to her victimization. She highlighted the lack of access to rehabilitative services in South Los Angeles compared to other areas, such as Santa Monica, where individuals were diverted from incarceration to treatment programs.

Burton's testimony underscored the critical need for restorative justice approaches and better support systems for women in prison, advocating for a shift in how society addresses the root causes of incarceration. The panel's discussions aim to raise awareness and prompt action towards reforming the treatment of women within the criminal justice system.