ABSENCE OF BEING
Michele Zousmer | CA, United States
Photographer: Michele Zousmer
Exhibit Title: ABSENCE OF BEING
Location: CA, United States
In August 2014 San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore spoke to me about a new reentry program starting at Las Colinas Rehabilitation and Detention Center for Women. He asked me if I could 'change the perception of the female convict with my images.' The following week I entered Las Colinas open to this new challenge.
Listening to the women I quickly realized they were all victims of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. They all experienced hardships and suffered deprivation. As an observer, I heard their tales and felt their pain. My heart hurt for them.
As my involvement deepened, my relationships with these women grew. I shared the grief I was feeling being recently widowed. They appreciated my expressing vulnerability. I encouraged them to discard their shame and not allow incarceration to define them. I showed up for them.
Reentry is a big challenge in the judicial system. Women's issues are different. Many women are single parents who will be reunited with their children. Their criminal behavior was associated with negative self-esteem from their complicated histories. I gave them hope. I made them smile.
In August 2014 San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore spoke to me about a new reentry program starting at Las Colinas Rehabilitation and Detention Center for Women. He asked me if I could 'change the perception of the female convict with my images.' The following week I entered Las Colinas open to this new challenge.
Listening to the women in group, I quickly realized they were all victims of physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse. They all experienced hardships and suffered deprivation. As an observer, I heard their tales and felt their pain. My heart hurt for them.
As my involvement deepened, my relationships with these women grew. I shared the grief I was feeling being recently widowed. They appreciated my expressing vulnerability. I encouraged them to discard their shame and not allow incarceration to define them. I showed up for them.
Reentry is a big challenge in the judicial system. Women's issues are different. Many women are single parents who will be reunited with their children.Their criminal behavior was associated with negative self-esteem from their complicated histories. I gave them hope. I made them smile.
Make Comment/View Comments
