Support Tanisha's Reentry Fund

Tanisha, a beloved Black mother, poet, survivor, and Survived & Punished NY member, returned home to her loved ones in 2021 after spending more than 8 years incarcerated for an act of self-defense.

Tanisha has spent years fighting for the recognition and freedom of survivors of domestic and sexual violence incarcerated in New York State prisons. She became a member of Survived & Punished NY in 2018 and participated in our campaign for mass commutations for survivors, boldly sharing her story of abuse and survival, writing to Governor Cuomo, and contributing to the Free : Survivors newsletter. In response to the consistent neglect of incarcerated survivors in the #MeToo movement, Tanisha lifted up the framing #WhatAboutUs to call attention to survivors of violence who continue to experience violence in prison at the hands of guards and the state. She never accepted this injustice. In her own words:

who said it was OK to put me here and ignore my pleas and sorrowful tears?

who said it was OK for the judge to give me 14yrs?

who told GOD to sit me down and let me "grow mentally and eventually she'll be thanking me?"

who said it was OK to hurt me?

After years of appeals, Tanisha was finally released after being resentenced under the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act. Her story was featured in the documentary film, And So I Stayed . Now that she is home, she’s been reunited with her son and other loved ones and is ready to begin rebuilding after years of separation. While she was incarcerated in Bedford Hills, Tanisha consistently connected people in prison with services and support, and she counseled others who experienced domestic violence. She is, and continues to be an advocate for incarcerated survivors.

Now that she’s home, Tanisha needs funds for her reentry: clothes, food, phone, transportation, etc. Any and all support is appreciated!