Susan Burton, a powerful advocate for formerly incarcerated women, shares her incredible journey from addiction and incarceration to empowerment. She discusses her traumatic childhood and the struggles of young motherhood, revealing the systemic failures that affect women in the justice system. Burton highlights the importance of community support for reintegration and the transformative power of shared experiences. Her commitment to activism shines through as she emphasizes the need for shelters and programs that cater specifically to the challenges women face post-incarceration.
Susan Burton's transformation from incarceration to activism highlights the resilience and potential of formerly incarcerated women advocating for systemic reform.
The alarming rise in female incarceration rates calls for urgent gender-responsive programming to address the unique challenges faced by women post-incarceration.
Deep dives
Haddon Clark's Criminal Profile
Haddon Clark is presented as an alarming figure in the world of true crime, accused of confessing to numerous murders, with investigators suggesting a victim count that may exceed 100. His delusions, including the belief that he is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, form a disturbing backdrop to his criminal acts. Clark's history not only showcases his violent tendencies but highlights the chilling nature of his methods, which span across various states in America. His case illustrates profound issues within the criminal justice system, questioning the efficacy of tracking such prolific offenders.
Introducing Susan Burton's Story
Susan Burton's journey from childhood trauma to activism serves as a powerful narrative of resilience and change. Growing up in a challenging environment, she faced severe adversities, including sexual abuse and familial instability, that shaped her tumultuous path towards incarceration. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Burton transformed her life after nearly 20 years of addiction and recidivism, ultimately emerging as a leader advocating for formerly incarcerated women. Her story embodies the broader struggles of women in the criminal justice system and highlights the critical need for systemic reform.
The Impact of Incarceration on Women
The podcast delves into the alarming increase in the female incarceration rate, highlighting its implications for families and communities. Since 1980, the incarceration rate for women has surged significantly, primarily driven by harsh drug laws that treat women as equal accomplices to men, despite often playing lesser roles in criminal activities. This disproportionate imprisonment leads to substantial societal issues, particularly affecting mothers, as over half of incarcerated women are mothers to underage children. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for gender-responsive programming and the unique challenges faced by women re-entering society post-incarceration.
Susan Burton's Activism and Achievements
After overcoming her destructive past, Susan Burton's activism led her to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women reintegrate after incarceration. Her initiative provides critical support services, including housing, legal aid, and counseling, which are tailored to the unique needs of formerly incarcerated women. Burton’s efforts have resulted in significant positive outcomes, including 90% success rates in reentry and the reunification of many women with their children. Her impactful work serves as a model for systemic change, demonstrating that empowered individuals can substantially contribute to addressing the challenges present in the criminal justice system.
Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women
Beingsusanburton.com
ABC 7
CNN
The New Press
NY times
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Vera Institute of Justice
LA Times
Research and Education Institute
Kings Institute.Stanford.edu
The Today Show
Credits:
Written and Hosted by Amy Shlosberg and Meghan Sacks
Produced & Edited by James Varga
Script Editor, Abagail Belcastro
Music by Dessert Media
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If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, or a victim of domestic, or other violence, there are many organizations that can offer support or help you in your specific situation.