Domestic Violence is Learned and Begins in the Home. Child Abuse. | Patricia Ouska (Patty)

My name is Patty. I have been incarcerated for 32 years. I am a mother and grandmother of two. My daughters’ names are Alexis and Tiesha. I am Tlingit Indian. An Alaskan native. I was born in Chicago. The materials I used are paint, glue, ribbon, glitter strips, paper cut outs from a magazine, ink pen, typewriter, and my story. I am in my 4th year with Northwestern Prison Education Project. I love History and Science. My art is figurative. I am a Christian. I love politics and I stay in the latest laws that involve incarcerated individuals. I have a natural life without parole setence. My two children do not understand my life or what brought me to prison. My prayer is for them to forgive me and know that I love them. This piece of art has brought me to tears. It’s healing.

I want to lay a foundation for the new narrative. Hopefully, that pushes the right buttons. By me creating this piece, I am shining a light on what others need to do. I understand that this depiction seems unreal, that this could happen. So when I was a child I spoke about my abuse. I was told I was a liar. But my story has always remained the same. It almost feels like an impossible mission. It’s not easy for me to always open up and talk about something that was a traumatic experience, or even people who may be involved in some way and are protective of themselves.

It can’t be a secret forever… And the more I talk, the more it’s likely that the truth will come out.

There’ still no justice.

I am an incarcerated woman at Logan Correctional Center.

I have been incarcerated for 32 years.