Empathetic Frustration
As I sit down to write this article, I'm fueled by a mix of anger, frustration, and a deep sense of empathy for the women I work with, those caught within the complexities of the Criminal Justice System. My frustration stems not only from the lack of progress in societal attitudes but also from the unexpected source of discrimination—the local Church.
Recent events have only intensified these feelings. For 5 years, Imago Dei has tirelessly pursued a project aimed at providing supported living accommodation for women leaving prison, ID Grace House. We have recently put in ‘above asking price offers’ on two houses, and we are cash purchasers. On both occasions, we have been told that the vendors would prefer to sell to a family. It's disheartening to witness the "Not In My Back Yard" mentality prevail, over those seeking to aid marginalized individuals.
This frustration peaked during a recent speaking engagement at a local Church. I had spent an hour explaining the statistics of women coming into prison, the circumstances, and reasons that many ended up there, based on what I hear when I get the opportunity to sit and listen to a woman vulnerably share her journey. I do consider this to be a real privilege and I understand that not everyone gets the opportunity to do the same.
Despite my disclaimers and explanations about our work's compassionate approach, not justifying or excusing criminality and the pain and heartache caused to many victims, I faced unsettling questions and heckling, for the first time.
The notion that individuals, particularly those serving life sentences, should be forever condemned, deeply troubled me. People suggesting that it is a disgrace and disgusting that ‘life is not life,’ and that such people ‘should never be released’. These sentiments, especially within a Christian community, perpetuate the very discrimination these women encounter on a daily basis and grieve me immensely.
I went on to explain sensitively, and graciously, that my belief as a Christian is that Jesus’ death on the cross was for ALL sin. Whether someone is in prison for fraud, tax evasion, theft, or murder, each person surely deserves another chance. It is not my position to judge anyone, I have learnt to view them and their crimes through the eyes of God. He doesn’t ever grade sin. Sin is sin and no sin is any worse than any other, although it obviously does have different consequences. Have we all not fallen short and made mistakes in life? It's crucial to recognize that every individual, regardless of their past actions, deserves a chance at redemption and restoration.
Societal prejudices often hinder this process enormously. Securing employment and accommodation becomes a Herculean task with a criminal conviction, exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking to reintegrate into society after release.
The prevailing mindset in society seems to be one of punishment rather than rehabilitation. But how can we expect positive change if we don't afford individuals the opportunity to transform? Locking people up without proper support and education only perpetuates cycles of trauma and reoffence, ultimately failing both the individual and society at large. Conversely, by engaging, supporting, and helping people to reach their full potential and teaching them to flourish in life, we are reducing the likelihood of them re-offending and causing more hurt to victims and society, as well as reducing the increasing cost to the Government of caring for them in prison.
We must embrace a paradigm shift—one rooted in empathy, acceptance, and compassion. It's about providing resources, not retribution; opportunities for growth, not perpetual condemnation. Only then can we truly foster a society where every individual has the chance to rewrite their narrative and live a fulfilling life free from their past.
In the face of adversity, let us not succumb to disillusionment but rather channel our frustrations into actionable change. Together, let's dismantle the barriers of discrimination and pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future, particularly for those with experience of the Criminal Justice System. Imago Dei will continue to do just that.
Tracy Sickel
Prison Chaplain and Founding CEO – Imago Dei