A question I’ve always considered
how do we punish people who commit crimes but not severe enough to cause them mental health problems?
Two examples
the trauma of being arrested can lead to permanent humiliation and increases in self harm. I was personally arrested twice and just the thought of handcuffs on my body makes me feel like my body was destroyed. I have had urges to hurt my wrists. I was personally diagnosed with PTSD after these arrests. I had never had PTSD.
After having completed sentences, you carry this criminal record around wherever you go and have to explain it, especially when getting a new job. It can lead to self hatred, isolation, hatred of others, not feeling “human” anymore i.e. anyone can do anything to you, not being believed, you practically live at others’ mercy. I wonder if this increases suicides
Thoughts?
