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Donna

DONNA

"Anyone can strive to be anything in this world. People have got to have dreams. You have to believe in yourself."

It has been ten years since Donna walked out of prison for the last time. Uniquely placed as an advocate for prisoners, she is passionate about educating the community about the ineffectiveness of prison and dispelling the stereotypes that the public are fed through media, politics and ignorance.

"My big passion and my big love are to go out to the community and talk about women in prison, because prison is something that is still hidden. We have displaced women that we just throw away. We lock them up where no one can see them. And for a lot of these women, prison is not the answer".

Donna served multiple prison terms in the 90s and is familiar with the cyclical nature of the prison system. "Like many people there, I was on that merry-go-round. I just kept coming in and out, in and out. Through that process, I lost contact with, and custody of, my child. Basically, I found it easier to be inside than out. I felt that's where I belonged, that's where I fitted. I also didn't have to worry about things, make excuses as to why I lost my child. I was like many women caught up in the system and I think it's a real indictment that the majority of women would prefer to be in prison rather than be out and part of our community."

Breaking the cycle is extremely difficult. These women are dealing with a variety of issues such as addiction, poverty, abuse and mental illness. "For many they don't get out of the system. The sad part about it is that I have lost many friends through death, overdoses and other causes. I suppose I am one of the lucky ones. It's been a hard journey but I have made it. And I think it is possible for anyone to make it. It takes commitment; it takes other support around you. I see myself as a spokesperson for people who are still caught up in the system. People who are still dealing with their addiction issues or whatever, but also a voice for so many women who are dead. It's interesting, not many women go through the system and get to the age of forty."

Adjusting to the outside world is a lonely and intimidating process. "These women find it easier to go back to the world they know. It's so hard to survive on the outside when you don't have a roof over your head, you haven't got any skills or education, you've never had a job! You've got a criminal record, so there is all that baggage that you carry."

Joining Somebody's Daughter Theatre Company (SDTC) provided the anchor Donna needed to begin the process of recovery. She first saw their productions whilst in prison and they became her lifeline post-release. Donna has since found employment with VACRO (Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) and lectures at educational facilities.

"I guess I got lucky working with SDTC and VACRO. Now I am moving on to other things. Lots of people who walk out of prison don't have that. We have this big fantasy that we want people to do their time, get out, get on with their life, get a job and live happily ever after. Damaged women end up in prison and prison damages people."

Donna is a role model for prisoners and shows what can be achieved if people are given support and are respected. She is reforging her relationship with her son and celebrating her commitment to her partner.

"Anyone can strive to be anything in this world. People have got to have dreams. You have to believe in yourself."