A Legacy of Advocacy: The Birthplace of Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone
Before the coalition we now know as P.E.A.C.E. (Parole Elder Abuse Concerns Everyone) existed, there was a foundational document—this PDF. It represents the earliest vision for addressing one of the most overlooked injustices of our time: elder abuse in the prison system.
This document, spanning multiple pages, captures the critical issues that laid the groundwork for P.E.A.C.E. It serves as both a call to action and a blueprint for the movement that would follow. Unlike other advocacy efforts, this initiative focused specifically on the plight of aging and ill prisoners—grandparents, elders, and loved ones—who are subjected to abuse, neglect, and prolonged incarceration despite posing minimal risk to society.
What This Document Is and Why It Matters
A Catalyst for Change: This PDF challenged the status quo, exposing the economic inefficiencies and moral failings of incarcerating elderly individuals.
A Clear Call to Action: It urged medical professionals, social workers, policymakers, and community leaders to unite against elder abuse in prisons.
A Vision of Compassionate Justice: By highlighting the negligible recidivism rates among elderly prisoners and the immense financial burden of their incarceration, it advocated for compassionate release as both a moral and practical solution.
Why This Document Supersedes All Others
This document is not just an archive—it’s the birthplace of a movement. It predated the formal establishment of P.E.A.C.E. and set forth many of the ideas and arguments that now define the coalition. It represents:
The Origin Story: It shows how the seeds of today’s movement were planted.
A Historical Marker: It provides insight into the early thinking and priorities that drove the creation of P.E.A.C.E.
A Roadmap for Action: The principles outlined within its pages continue to inform and inspire the coalition’s current efforts.
We believe that sharing this document is essential, as it allows the public to witness the raw, unpolished beginnings of an important movement. It invites everyone to understand the depth of the issues and join the fight for compassionate parole and justice.
Take Action
As you read through the document, consider how its message resonates today. P.E.A.C.E. remains committed to securing the release of every elderly and ill prisoner. Together, we can challenge the systems that perpetuate this injustice and push for a world where compassion and equity guide our decisions.
To learn more about P.E.A.C.E. and how you can help, visit paroleelderabuse.org.
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