I have long asserted that the concept of “self-defense” is a set-aside privilege for some people. Abused women are not in that group. Women with disabilities are frequently targeted by abusive individuals:

From Max Dashu on X.com:

Charisse Shumate (pictured) was a freedom fighter and a founder of CCWP (California Coalition for Women Prisoners) who died due to medical neglect on August 4, 2001 while incarcerated at CCWF.  

The prison system is killing women suffering from cancer, lupus, and other serious diseases, by systematically denying them medical care, as they groan in pain in their cells. 

The death penalty by other means. 

This too is patriarchy, racialized to an extreme degree.

Art by Chandna Agarwal.

Right now the prisons are being ravaged by extreme heat and by covid. 

Death traps, no remedies.

Statement from Charisse Shumate, prisoner and lead plaintiff,

Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF)

I, Charisse Shumate, wish I could be there with you because, as you grow in numbers for us behind the walls of CCWF, the big cover up is going on inside. 

Now, for those who ask why should they care or believe we are asking for “Cadillac care,” if we were allowed to have video cameras or tape recorders, the truth could be seen or heard about the junk yard care we receive. 

The sad part is why were we, who are mothers, daughters, sisters and grandmothers, compared to a car? Is it because they have forgot we are human? If walls could talk we would not have to beg help. Please, it could be your best friend that dies behind the walls of CCWF. 

We made a mistake, one that we are paying for. But for those who believe we must pay with our lives, may god bless you, because he sees our cries, our pain, how women are locked alone in rooms to lay and no one to check on them or told to go back to their unit, they are not in a life-threatening situation. 

For those who don’t know how to help, just pray for us.

Speaking Across the Walls