VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
A view of prison from the inside
A view of prison from the inside
A view of prison from the inside
Wednesday 27th March 2024
David Dorson shares his raw experiences of prison life in Ontario, shedding light on solitary confinement, prison economy, and the need for justice reform.
21 minutes
Eye-opening
Honest
Compassionate
Informative
Supportive
About this podcast
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VIMHS
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Inside Stories: Life Behind Bars with David Dorson
Episode Overview
- Solitary confinement is an isolating and harsh experience.
- Federal prisons offer more rehabilitation programmes than provincial jails.
- Inmates face significant financial burdens for basic needs.
- Incarceration has long-term impacts on personal relationships and future opportunities.
- A more compassionate justice system is needed to support both inmates and victims.
In that sense, every sentence is a life sentence.
Ever wondered what life is really like behind bars? In this episode of People First Radio, you'll hear from David Dorson, a former inmate in Ontario, who shares his raw and eye-opening experiences of prison life. Using a pen name to protect his identity, Dorson has penned a series of columns about his journey through arrest, imprisonment, and parole.
He speaks candidly about the harsh realities of solitary confinement, the stark differences between provincial and federal prisons, and the daily struggles inmates face, from financial hardships to limited communication with the outside world. Dorson paints a vivid picture of the isolation and deprivation in segregation, where he spent 19 days with minimal human contact and basic amenities.
He also discusses the surprising benefits of longer federal sentences over shorter provincial ones, highlighting the lack of rehabilitation programmes in provincial jails. His insights into the prison economy reveal the exorbitant costs inmates incur for basic needs and the systemic issues that perpetuate these challenges. The conversation takes a poignant turn as Dorson reflects on the long-term impact of incarceration on personal relationships and future opportunities.
He emphasises the need for a more compassionate justice system that better supports both inmates and victims of crime. Through his personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, Dorson challenges common misconceptions about prisoners and advocates for meaningful reforms. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system from an insider's perspective.
Don't miss out on this chance to gain a deeper understanding of what life is like on the inside and why change is necessary.