Personal visitations, a crucial lifeline for many incarcerated individuals and their families, have suffered a dramatic shift in recent times. Stripped of their right to display even the simplest gestures of affection due to the new Covid rules, family members can no longer hold hands, eat together, kiss their loved ones, or play games during visits at the Indiana Department of Corrections.

These may appear like minor infringements, but this change has had a profound effect on people like me, longing for a significant connection with our incarcerated loved ones. My story is not unique; countless spouses, parents and children have had their basic human right—to express affection—denied. We believe this to be an unnecessary and unjust burden.

Holding hands during a visit allows the incarcerated individual and their family to connect in a way that they can no longer do due to incarceration. These are the small personal interactions that everyone deserves to maintain. Studies have shown that maintaining strong family bonds during incarceration can significantly decrease the likelihood of recidivism upon release (National Institute of Justice). Denying these small reprieves of affection could inadvertently harm society and the individual in the long run.

We urge the Indiana Department of Corrections to reconsider these restrictions, making accommodations for these fundamental expressions of human connection. We do not deny the seriousness of the Covid situation, but pleas for the creation of safe protocols that maintain both safety and humanity are continually increasing.

It's time to bring back some normalcy, restore those sacred moments of connection that have been stolen. Remember, these are people, not just prisoners. They deserve the basic human right to give and receive affection in person. Sign the petition – help restore personal interactions during visitations at the Indiana Department of Corrections.