Presenter: Alicia Banson

Faculty Sponsor: Zeynep Gonen

School: Framingham State University

Research Area: Crime and Justice

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Concourse, B12

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the relationship between mass incarceration, mental health, and trauma among incarcerated women in Massachusetts. While men are also met with discrimination and psychological and physical abuse, it is important to acknowledge women's accounts to challenge patriarchy and explore women's perspectives. This study examines how the criminal legal system criminalizes survival strategies and unhealthy coping mechanisms, effectively punishing victims of trauma rather than providing rehabilitation. 

Focusing on incarcerated women in Massachusetts, specifically MCI-Framingham, this research utilizes qualitative reports, academic studies, and statistical data, as well as the work of the FreeHer campaign, to highlight systemic failures. Findings indicate that prison environments, characterized by invasive disciplinary practices, limited mental health services, and power imbalances, often re-traumatize women, cause PTSD, and heighten pre-existing conditions. These issues are compounded for women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, who face heightened structural inequalities. By examining these lived experiences and the psychological toll of imprisonment, this project provides insight into the injustice of current correctional practices. This research hopes to advocate for a shift toward trauma-informed care and the recognition of how the "prison/psychiatric state" fails to address the root causes of women’s system involvement. This reinforces cycles of harm rather than fostering recovery and successful community reintegration.