The 98% - Life After Prison

Talking About Post Incarceration Syndrome

Judy Van Wyk & April Barber Scales Season 6 Episode 3

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No doubt, incarceration is a traumatic experience, often filled with guilt, shame and rage, not to mention the habits you learn to survive and cope.   Upon release, people carry that trauma into a world that’s overwhelming and often unwelcoming.  Until recently there was no name for the psycho-social trauma people suffer following incarceration. It’s called Post Incarceration Syndrome and, in this episode, we’re going to learn how three individuals have experienced and  dealt with this potentially crippling affliction.

In 2023, Judy Van Wyk and April Barber partnered to create a podcast about the many issues people face when transitioning from prison. Van Wyk is a longtime video producer and criminal justice advocate.  April Barber received a life sentence when she was 15. After more than 31 years, she had her sentence commuted by Governor Cooper. She was released March 24, 2022.