Corrections_Today_September_October_2019_Vol.81_No.5

Communications & Publications

and misrepresentations defile and condemn women who are placed in situations where they are forced to defend themselves. Jacobsen said, “Today, a judge is required to give full instructions on self-defense to a jury, including that a person has a right to use deadly force to prevent a sexual assault which changed Michigan law when a female prisoner won her federal appeal.” Jacobsen has also produced a plethora of films featuring incarcerated women since the 1990s, including “Clemency 1999,” “Sentenced 2003” and “Prison Diary 2006,” to name a few. They attest to information sharing from first-hand experience, giving a voice to engage verbally and present the critical nature of their incarceration. Her films are available for free to groups/organizations pertaining to gender-based violence issues that are assisting female prisoners who have no advocates/supporters to seek restorative justice on their behalf. The challenge presented by Jacobsen is to encourage others to stand up to the legal system comprised of prosecutors, judges and police who abuse their power so they can redefine and create a new form of justice in communities. This evokes the need for a new system of justice. She provided an artwork platform that has mapped, recorded and made public the

hidden and systemic abuse of women in the criminal and prison systems. Visible advancement of empowerment of female prisoners through The Michigan Women’s

The Michigan Women’s Justice & Clemency Project has produced stunning life-changing results that freed 12 women from life sentences. I recommend that all correctional staff in female prisons read this book and evaluate how their women’s prisons compare, especially with the programs in place to address the trauma of gender-based violence. Training and refresher training should be done annually to include the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA), which applies to all correctional facilities including prisons. Jacobsen’s creative art forms provide a sustainable visibility for female prisoners who have been voiceless and marginalized. Female prisoners do their incarcerated time differently than male prisoners. Policies and procedures need to be amended to ensure quality structure for female prisoners. It is crucial that strategic planning initiatives be addressed to ensure that change occurs to provide protection of the human rights for female prisoners with committed collaboration with Governors’ Offices, Departments of Corrections, Pardons and Parole Boards to seek sentencing alternatives. Best practices need to be observed. The female prisoners’ voices must be heard via different avenues such as the creative arts vehicle that has been envisioned by Jacobsen. u

Justice & Clemency Project provided the ability to create

contexts of trust and compassion, which Jacobsen has imbued with dignity and respect.

This book puts a face to the movement of incarcerated women along with photocopies of their letters expressing their struggles, case updates and pleas for help. along with photocopies of their letters expressing their struggles, case updates and pleas for help. Jacobsen has provided a strong voice, coupled with action and coherent strategy to advance incarcerated women’s rights, gender justice and feminist organizing through art and creative expression. Her selfless service and integrity demonstrated and exhibited with This book puts a face to the movement of incarcerated women

64 — September/October 2019 Corrections Today