Victoria Law

Victoria Law is a freelance journalist who focuses on the intersections of incarceration, gender, and resistance. Her books include Resistance Behind Bars: The Struggles of Incarcerated Women, Prison by Any Other Name: The Harmful Consequences of Popular Reforms (coauthored with Maya Schenwar), and the forthcoming “Prisons Make Us Safer” and 20 Other Myths About Mass Incarceration.

Bayview Correctional Facility

This Building Was Once a Notorious Women’s Prison. Now It’s Becoming a Center for Feminist Organizing. This Building Was Once a Notorious Women’s Prison. Now It’s Becoming a Center for Feminist Organizing.

Formerly incarcerated women are helping plan the transformation of Bayview Correctional Facility into a Women’s Building.

Feb 22, 2017 / Victoria Law

Taconic Correctional Facility in Bedford Hills, N.Y.

Why It Matters That an Imprisoned Domestic-Violence Survivor Was Granted Clemency Why It Matters That an Imprisoned Domestic-Violence Survivor Was Granted Clemency

Only three survivors have been granted clemency in New York State history. Will others follow?

Jan 23, 2017 / Victoria Law

National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls

These Women Are Demanding a Voice in the Criminal Justice Conversation These Women Are Demanding a Voice in the Criminal Justice Conversation

The movement to reform the criminal justice system is still dominated by men and politicians. This group of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women is changing that.

Sep 26, 2016 / Victoria Law

A solitary confinement cell

How a Former Black Panther Could Change the Rules of Solitary Confinement How a Former Black Panther Could Change the Rules of Solitary Confinement

The case of Russell Maroon Shoatz, who spent nearly 30 years in solitary confinement, could set a precedent for others held in prolonged isolation.

Feb 22, 2016 / Victoria Law

Survivors of Domestic Violence Deserve Clemency, Not Prison Cells

Survivors of Domestic Violence Deserve Clemency, Not Prison Cells Survivors of Domestic Violence Deserve Clemency, Not Prison Cells

Governor Andrew Cuomo just made an historic pledge to grant clemency to thousands of former nonviolent youthful offenders—what about women who committed violence in order to live?

Dec 21, 2015 / Victoria Law

Stephanie Reis and son

After Giving Birth, These Women Were Placed in Handcuffs, Leg Irons, and Waist Chains After Giving Birth, These Women Were Placed in Handcuffs, Leg Irons, and Waist Chains

It’s time for New York State to ban the shackling of women prisoners during pregnancy and after delivery.

Dec 2, 2015 / Victoria Law

What Happens When Old Prisons Are Given Back to Their Communities?

What Happens When Old Prisons Are Given Back to Their Communities? What Happens When Old Prisons Are Given Back to Their Communities?

As New York State begins closing prisons, some are being sold to the highest bidder—but some are becoming sites of social change.

Oct 29, 2015 / Victoria Law

Why Are So Many Women Behind Bars in Oklahoma?

Why Are So Many Women Behind Bars in Oklahoma? Why Are So Many Women Behind Bars in Oklahoma?

With twice as many women in prison as in other states, Oklahoma is the female-incarceration capital of the United States.

Sep 29, 2015 / Victoria Law

Why Is Marissa Alexander Still Being Punished for Fighting Back?

Why Is Marissa Alexander Still Being Punished for Fighting Back? Why Is Marissa Alexander Still Being Punished for Fighting Back?

As Alexander leaves prison for house arrest, it’s time to question the system that turns women into criminals for trying to stay alive.

Jan 28, 2015 / Victoria Law

It’s Time to Bring Domestic Violence Survivors Like Barbara Sheehan Home From Prison

It’s Time to Bring Domestic Violence Survivors Like Barbara Sheehan Home From Prison It’s Time to Bring Domestic Violence Survivors Like Barbara Sheehan Home From Prison

As governors mull clemency, battered women should be at the top of the list.

Dec 24, 2014 / Victoria Law

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