“What Happened to Me Can Happen to Anybody”—Women Exonerees Speak Out

Abstract

Only a few studies have investigated the psychological consequences of wrongful conviction; several others have examined the psychological consequences of incarceration and its impact on reentry and reintegration, primarily for men. For women who have been wrongfully convicted and subsequently released from prison into the free world, there are further indignities and unique issues: having to deal with the deep personal loss of murdered loved ones along with criminal charges; the absence of DNA evidence, making convictions harder to fight; stigmatization by prosecutors and the media; and unique emotional and medical needs. This Article presents findings from in-depth interviews with twenty-one exonerated women and describes the unique qualities and needs faced by wrongfully convicted women during their arrest, trial, conviction, imprisonment, release, and post-release, and the creative and resourceful strategies that have helped them cope with an untenable reality. By giving voice to their lived experiences, this Article seeks to personalize and contextualize the events surrounding the cases, to humanize the people whose lives have been destroyed, and to establish identities amidst an overwhelming sea of facts and statistics. In addition, this Article provides valuable insights and information for clinicians, counselors, families, friends, employers, and communities working to help wrongfully convicted women, and for lawyers, policy-makers, and advocates working to promote social justice and criminal justice reform.

“They open the door, kick you out, and say, ‘Go’"

“…These services should be provided immediately after release and should continue for as long as exonerees feel they need it. Researchers have also found that speaking about their experience helps some exonerees build confidence through acknowledgment and affirmation (Konvisser, 2015). As such, funding should be directed to organizations like Healing Justice, the Sunny Center, and others that are providing safe spaces for all those who are harmed by wrongful convictions.…”

Psychological impact of being wrongfully accused of criminal offences: A systematic literature review

“…31 It was particularly difficult for participants to regain their previous sense of self if they received no formal apology or public statement of innocence effectively 'delabelling' them. 33 One paper 34 noted positive changes in personality. Participants in this interview study noted that they had reflected on and grown from their experiences and reported changes such as a more positive attitude and not taking things for granted.…”

“…Symptoms of depression were also noted in several other studies. 34,35,37,[41][42][43][44] Anxiety. Anxiety and panic disorders also appeared to be common: 18/30 participants in the study reported by Burnett et al 27 and Hoyle et al 29 participants.…”

“…Jenkins 41 found that both primary and secondary victims of wrongful accusation experienced feelings of bitterness and resentment at the state not acknowledging the injustice or offering an apology. Konvisser's 34 participants reported a lack of apology or official acknowledgement of their innocence from prosecutors left them feeling as though they were under a cloud of guilt and could not obtain closure. Participants also reported fear and tension surrounding governmental entities, 21 frustration at feeling betrayed by the system, 21 loss of faith in the justice system 32 and anger towards the system.…”

“…Violence in prison, or fear of violence from other inmates, was also reported in three other studies. 21,42,45 Konvisser's 34 participants reported intimidation and harassment from the police and in prison; several felt traumatised by the way police had treated them. They described the prison experience as degrading, demeaning and traumatic, and reported feeling lonely and powerless.…”