THE RIGHTS OF "THE PRISON WIFE"

You could say that "THE PRISON WIFE," basically has no rights.  Her husband no longer belongs to her.........he has a number, and is identified by that........it is written on his clothes, his mail....everywhere.  It seems as if he has no name. Therefore, he belongs to the state or country. And you, as a prisoners wife, are no one, too. You ,basically, in this country, as far as I can see, are "no one." Please feel free to correct me.  Let me know if you have found any organizations, etc.  that promote the "Rights of Prison Wives....and other loved ones." The 3 years of my husband being within the prison system, is actually minimal, compared to husbands who are locked away for 15, 20, or more years.  I don't know how you women do it, waiting for them. However, what I have seen and heard, is a lot of scared and frightened women.  Afraid to say anything, because their hubands will be retaliated on. Isn't it time that something is done within the USA, to change all that? I know, for myself, that I am a person.  I am a "human being," and not to be treated like something less than an animal.  I also know that I am a citizen of the greatest countries of the USA, and I do have rights. Let us go a little further.  Let us now begin to explore just what I am talking about. Let us now see how things "should be.  "THE RIGHTS OF PRISON WIVES".   1. The Prisoner's wife should be notified via mail or phone, by the state/federal prison when her husband is put in prison.  She should be told the name of the place he is in, and the location.  2. The prisoner's wife should be notified "BY THE INSTITUTION" he is in, as to when she can start visiting him.  3. The prisoner's wife should be notified, "BY THE INSTITUTION" about the usage of telephones.  She should be given telephone numbers as to who to call if the phones are blocked and not working properly.  4. The Prison Wife should be sent in the mail a list of "VISITING RULES," for that particular institution.  5. "THE VISITING RULES,"should include:  Visiting hours, Dress Code for the visitor (Can I wear jewelry? Sleeves, or sleeveless? wire or no- wire bras?  MOST WOMEN I MET ON LINE TO THE PRISON, BROUGHT SEVERAL  CHANGES OF CLOTHING, THEY KEPT WITHIN THEIR CARS. PRISON GUARDS WOULD CONTINUALLY REFUSE THE WOMAN ENTRANCE.  AND YES, UNBELIEVABLY, THE WOMEN WERE CHANGING THEIR CLOTHING STANDING UP IN THE PARKING LOT...OUTSIDE, IN PUBLIC...6. List of things you can bring, and no bring with you to the prison.  For example, are purses and handbags allowed?  7. Type of I.D. required. 8. Directions and maps should be sent to the prisoner's wife, as to how to get to the prison.  Is there any public transportation to get there?   9. Phone numbers of the prison, administrators.  Who to call if there is a problem, or a complaint. 10. What will happen when you get to the prison...Includes registration, having your husbands state number with you.  Will I be searched.my handbag searched..metal detectors?  11. what kind of room will my visit be in...can i touch my husband?  No one ever explained that to me. I was continually walking over a painted line on the floor. people would constantly yell at me not to do that. I still don't quite know what they were talking about! 12. what can I bring to my husband in the prison?  Food? Drink?  Is there foodon the premises?  What about Diabetics? they need to carry food and drink with them at all times, and not junk food from vending machines.  Also, it is their right to carry diabetic testing equipment/insulin at all times.  13. Will there be clean, usable bathrooms when I  get to the prison.  Will I have to beg for them to unlock the bathroom.  And will i have to use a dark, dirty, unsanitary outhouse, which must be around 100 years old, and never been cleaned.  IF YOU DON'T EXPLAIN IT TO ME IN WORDS OR WRITING, I CAN'T KNOW ABOUT IT.  I CAN'T READ THE MINDS OF THE PRISON.  I APOLOGIZE, I'VE NEVER GONE TO VISIT SOMEONE IN A PRIISON BEFORE, AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.  SIMPLY STATED. These are a few things I thought of at the top of my head!  I BET YOU CAN THINK OF A LOT MORE THINGS TO ADD TO THE LIST. I feel these are basic needs of the "PRISON WIFE."  To be treated with respect.  Please let me know what you think!...Fran

 

 

Hello! I have decided to create a new journal!  It will hopefully help those wives with husbands in prison.  It will also address anyone with a loved one in prison. I will talk about certain issues that are important for those loved ones of prisoners........There is a "need" for something like this in our society.  A place that people can come to, and open up their heart and soul.  You are not alone!..With close to 2 million people in prisons in our country, just imagine how many loved ones are out there! I hear your cries ...and see the many tears you shed..through many of your e-mails you have sent me, through my other journal, "Reflections of a prison wife,"  I have seen and heard a lot of your pain..Is our country aware of this?  We may hear the term, "Prison Reform,"  but I don't think we ever hear the term, "Rights for the wives of prisoners, and loved ones of prisoners." The reformation of the prisoner, starts within the family syatem.  Yes, we are a big part of their rehabilatation process. It actually starts with us!And if we are so important, we must at least have a few rights.  I mean, I'm talking about something as simple as being notified by the prison system, as to which prison your husband was sent to! To me, something as simple as that would be common courtesy, if nothing else! So now, I have decided to go one step further. In this journal I will talk about, and address so many issues that are of the utmost importance to us. I think most of us are tired of bein pushed around, and having no rights, as a loved one of a prisoner.  and as a wife of a prisoner it is even worse. Did you know that Great Britain has an extensive network to help the families of prisoners?  It is simply a support network, that is so important, and needed within the USA, too. "Been there , done that!"  My husband's been within the prisn system for the past 2 years.  And so, I am a "PrisonWife."  That is my title!  Stigmatized and shunned by society, even a widow can move on.  a "Prison wife," cannot.  She is a wife without a husband.  How does one go out into society, without a husband?  How does she proceed with some sort of social network? I would like to hear from the wives of prisoners, and other loved ones. Please leave a comment here, or e-mail me,   CRYSTAL MOON 222 @aol.com  Let me know just how you feel. I'm here to listen. And we can share our thoughts and feelings with others.  maybe then, the burden will somehow be a little less.  It is easier to bear your burdens when you share them with others. Please try to have a nice day  Remember...I'm thinking about you!   Fran

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