Solitary confinement is the physical isolation of individuals who are confined to their cells for 22.5 hours or more per day. Other names for solitary confinement include

People in solitary confinement have limited or no opportunity to interact with others. They eat, sleep, and use the toilet in the same area and have limited access to stimuli, such as educational materials. Solitary confinement cells do not always have windows. The length of time that a person spends in solitary confinement varies greatly. Some people can spend hours or days in confinement, while others can spend weeks, months, or even years. In extreme cases, people can spend decades in solitary confinement. In 2016, Albert Woodfox reentered society after spending more than 40 years in isolation.

A large body of research shows that solitary confinement causes adverse psychological effects and increases the risk of serious harm to individuals who experience it. According to an article in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, isolation can be as distressing as physical torture.

The BJS report that approximately 25% of people in prison and 35% of those in jail who had spent 30 days or longer in solitary confinement during the previous year had symptoms of serious psychological distress. The rates were similar for those who only spent 1 day in isolation.

Humans require social contact. Over time, the stress of being isolated can cause a range of mental health problems. Research indicates that both living alone and feelings of loneliness are strongly associated with suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Additionally, many individuals who experience confinement become incapable of living around other people.

Most studies focus on the psychological effects of solitary confinement. However, psychological trauma and loneliness can also lead to physical health problems. Studies indicate that social isolation increases the likelihood of death by 26–32%.

Solitary confinement units cost significantly more than other types of prison housing, both in terms of construction and operation. Due to the effect that isolation has on people, it can also lead to them becoming more violent and unpredictable.

Such behavioral changes may increase the number or intensity of assaults on staff and other incarcerated people. They may also make it more likely that the person will engage in illegal behavior or experience isolation-related adjustment problems when they reenter society.

Please sign and help end Solitary Confinement Indefinitely in Indiana.

There are better alternatives to solitary confinement that do not cause mental and physical harm. People in prison deserve rights too. No matter how you look at it, they are human beings. Human beings need social contact in order to survive. Prisoners can be put in solitary confinement for as little as using bad language or an expired tube of toothpaste. Sometimes with no just cause. Lets work together to help end the torture that is solitary confinement. Thank you.