Former public defender Sara Bennett spent 13 years photographing women convicted of homicide and sentenced to life in New York state. Her book 'Looking Inside: Women with Life Sentences' traces their lives behind bars and, for some, their re-entry into the outside world. The project offers a striking reminder of the complexity and humanity of women who are far more than the single act that sent them to prison.
Portraits of Resilience and Struggle
Linda, now 70, was incarcerated at age 43 in 1992 and is serving 30 years to life. Pictured at Taconic Correctional Facility in 2019, she reflects: 'This is my 27th year being incarcerated. I've been scared, lonely, hurt, disappointed and forgotten. ... Will I die behind these walls?' Another woman, Veronica, 53, served 27 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence before her release in 2019. She is shown in her apartment in Flushing, New York, with her husband of 29 years.
Andrea, 64, was incarcerated at age 46 in 2001 and sentenced to 20 years to life. Released in 2020, she says: 'When I first came in, it was weird but I learned to deal with it by going to church and working. As a woman who has rebuilt herself, I love being in my 60s.'
Life After Release: Challenges and Hope
Karen, 69, spent 35 years in prison before her release in 2017. She recalls: 'Parole sent me to a homeless assessment centre in the South Bronx. The quality of the food and bedding was a lateral move from prison. But, factoring in my freedom, there's no question it was an improvement.' Now living in a shelter run by the Women's Prison Association, she finds comfort: 'The room I'm living in is sparse, with not much in it – but it's mine. In this room I find comfort, privacy, peace of mind, and finally freedom.'
Carol, 69, served 35 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence before her release in 2013. In supportive housing four years after release, she says: 'When I was inside, I dreamed of getting out, getting a job, travelling. But by the time I got out my health was bad. ... I have my grandson Cecil. He's a precious boy of six years. He loves me unconditionally and that's a delight.'
Young and Incarcerated: Finding Purpose
Sahiah, 23, was incarcerated at age 16 in 2011 and is serving 20 years to life. Pictured at the college library at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in 2019, she says: 'Being incarcerated at such a young age made me feel as if my life was over. But as the days and the time went by I knew God had a special plan and purpose for me. There is light at the end of my tunnel. I will be free.'
Assia, 35, was incarcerated at age 19 in 2003 and is serving 18 years to life. Working as a nursery aide and doula, she explains: 'Recently I spent the night looking after a nine-week-old baby whose mom was removed from the nursery unit. ... Despite the bad choices that landed me in prison, and away from my own children who have had to grow up without me, I can still make a difference.'
Long Sentences and the Weight of Guilt
Judy, 69, was incarcerated at age 31 in 1981 and sentenced to 75 years to life. Released in 2019, she says: 'People ask me why I smile so much. It's not that I'm always happy. I suffer the pains of imprisonment: separation from loved ones, being strip-searched after visits, being forbidden to hug. Every day, I carry the burden of guilt for my crime and all the pain and loss I am responsible for. I cannot change that. But I can decide how to wake up each morning and meet the day. I choose love, curiosity, to smile.'
Evelyn, 42, served 17 years of a 15-years-to-life sentence before her release in 2012. She recalls: 'When I was a kid, I didn't have so much time to play around. I was busy. I was the only girl. I had two small brothers and I had to take care of them and work. Spending time with kids now lets me goof around and be silly. I feel joyous when I'm with them.' Bennett also photographed Evelyn in supportive housing after she and her domestic partner ended their relationship.
A Decade-Long Project
Bennett's layered narrative resists stereotype, showing women who have rebuilt themselves despite decades behind bars. The book, published by Kehrer Verlag, is available from all good bookstores in the UK and online retailers. As Karen, still incarcerated in 2017, mused: 'First Step: I will finally breathe fresh air, finally take my first step outside this fence without my hands cuffed – without shackles on my feet. Will I feel free right away? Will I be scared? I would be a fool not to be terrified of all that has changed in 35 years, but I'm an eager fool.'
