Bruises To Bars: The Pathway from Abuse to Incarceration and the Power of Survivor Poetry.

• In Event: Lightning Talk: From Cells to Solutions: Future Research Directions through Carceral Citizen Creativity

Abstract

Despite widespread recognition of the link between domestic violence and women’s incarceration, policies have failed to effectively address their victimization and prevent criminalization. While studies explore root causes, women’s creative writing and artistic expression offer deeper insights into the connections between trauma, victimization, and incarceration—perspectives that should inform policy reform. This study analyzes survivor narratives (poetry) and academic literature using abductive analysis. Findings reveal themes of victim-blaming, family violence, and the criminalization of survivors seeking help. Creative works serve as powerful expressions of memorialization, identity, and lived experiences of abuse, exposing the failures of legal and social systems. Future research should explore how creative expression can shape trauma-informed policies and legal reforms. By centering survivor narratives, we can develop better resources and protections to support individuals affected by domestic violence.

Author

• Adria Liwewe, American University