VOICES: BEHIND THE WALLS
ART ESP / ING
VOICES: BEHIND THE WALLS de la Appleton Private University
La Diáspora Familiar y el Impacto del Encarcelamiento
Uno de los temas principales del volumen es el impacto del encarcelamiento en las familias, un fenómeno que los autores denominan la "diáspora familiar"
Además del impacto psicológico, el artículo explora las consecuencias socioeconómicas del encarcelamiento
El Laberinto Burocrático de Brians 2
El volumen también incluye un "manual de supervivencia" para navegar el sistema burocrático de la prisión de
Brians 2, uno de los centros penitenciarios más grandes de Cataluña
La Batalla Silenciosa y el Maltrato
Una sección del número 1 se enfoca en la "batalla silenciosa" de la salud mental en las cárceles
El volumen también contiene un artículo titulado El Silencio Que Grita" del autor José M. Castelo-Appleton, donde se denuncia el maltrato en las cárceles catalanas
La Creatividad como Resistencia
Finalmente, el artículo "Más Allá del Ladrillo" destaca el papel de la creatividad como un acto de resistencia y sanación en el entorno penitenciario
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VOICES: BEHIND THE WALLS
The initial volume of VOICES: BEHIND THE WALLS, published by Appleton Private University, focuses on a variety of topics related to prison life and the impact of incarceration on both inmates and their families. The journal's approach is academic and rigorous, but it also seeks to offer a practical and human perspective on the realities of the Catalan penal system.
The Family Diaspora and the Impact of Incarceration
One of the main themes of the volume is the impact of incarceration on families, a phenomenon the authors call the "family diaspora." The article argues that imprisonment is a traumatic process not only for the individual but also for their loved ones, who experience a prolonged and complex grief. This is because their family member is still alive but remains inaccessible. This situation generates chronic stress that can manifest as psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
In addition to the psychological impact, the article explores the socioeconomic consequences of incarceration. The loss of income, the costs of visits, and the exorbitant fees for prison phone calls are an immense burden that can push families into poverty. The social stigma that often leads to isolation is also addressed, as families are judged for their loved one's actions and may face discrimination in the workplace and in educational settings.
The Bureaucratic Labyrinth of Brians 2
The volume also includes a "survival manual" for navigating the bureaucratic system of Brians 2 prison, one of the largest penitentiary centers in Catalonia. The manual describes the complex procedures, from initial admission and inmate classification to managing visits and communication. Its purpose is to offer a practical guide for incarcerated individuals and their families, helping them understand and manage a system that is often opaque and overwhelming.
The Silent Battle and Mistreatment
A section of Issue 1 focuses on the "silent battle" of mental health in prisons. It details the high prevalence of mental disorders among the inmate population and the notorious lack of resources for their treatment. The article highlights that treatment is often limited to medication, without addressing the underlying causes, and that internal stigma prevents many from seeking help.
The volume also contains an article titled "The Silence That Screams" by author José M. Castelo-Appleton, which denounces mistreatment in Catalan prisons. The author, based on personal experience, states that mistreatment is not limited to physical violence but includes psychological and institutional abuse, such as the denial of medical care and arbitrary censorship. The article mentions reports of prolonged isolation, excessive use of force, and deficiencies in healthcare, as well as tragic cases of deaths that have highlighted the need for urgent reform.
Creativity as Resistance
Finally, the article "Beyond the Brick" highlights the role of creativity as an act of resistance and healing in the prison environment. Poems and stories written by inmates are featured, demonstrating how art becomes a vehicle for processing pain, maintaining humanity, and finding a voice that the system often seeks to silence. These writings are a call to empathy and a reminder that, even behind bars, there are lives and stories.
