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“Who was he to me? – … He often appeared in places where I liked to spend time especially on the beach … I advised him … to stop paying for sex and have sex with agency girls. He said that he was a guy and he must but if I agree with him it will stop … for me it is a disease and a very gross thing … I could never be with such a person “- fragment of Marta’s book

He insisted on meeting. He often appeared in places where I liked to spend time especially on the beach. When he pulled up to the beach I tried to talk to him gently that I am sorry but I can’t be with him. I did not want him to be sad so I advised him what not to do so that he could shape his life. Especially so that he would stop paying for sex and have sex with agency girls. He said he was a man and he must, but if I agree with him it will stop. I didn’t tell him that it was a disease for me and a very gross thing that I could never be with such a person.

“Who was he to me? “-… He escaped from the workplace (his … to mine to only see me for a while. He was instructed from the Manager …” – Twenty-second fragment of Marta’s book

He escaped from the workplace (his department building) to mine to only see me for a while. He was instructed from the Manager. Everyone knew and saw what was happening but I wanted to show that for me it is not all funny. I tried to separate myself from the situation and focus only on my work and return home.

‘In this winter time, I often think about the people of good heart…I hope your good heart sets an example to others…’

In this winter time, I often think about the people of good heart.
You and all the rest of the family are such a person.
I hope your good heart sets an example to others and repays you with the same.
Thank you for your good hearts with my loved ones.
Marta Herda
December 2019

Mrs Governor Mary O’Connor retires

On June 21, 2019 Mrs Governor Mary O’Connor said her farewell to Dochas Centre and retired from her office.

On that day all women prisoners were locked in their cells. During this time, a farewell event for Mrs Governor Mary O’Connor was held on the gym. In presence of officers, prison guards, friends and family.

Prisoners locked in their cells were given sweet muffins.
After the part at the gym, Mrs Governor Mary O’Connor, accompanied by her family walked around whole prison for the lat time. She also visited every cell. Martha recalls that everyone was very kind and admired her paintings.

A week earlier similar farewell event but in the presence of inmates was also held in the gym.
At the beginning a choir of prisoners sang a short song (exceptionally on that day Martha didn’t sing in the choir). Later Mrs Governor made a speech and was handed presents from the inmates. There was also a time for personal talks with women serving their sentences in Dochas Centre in Dublin.
Speaking to Martha Mrs Governor Mary O’Connor said, that everyone leaves the prison eventually.

Photo: Archive photo taken from https://www.irishprisons.ie/prison/dochas-centre/

“It’s my life – A life sentence! Fragments of book written by Polish woman convicted for murder” – The Polish Telegraph (in Polish language)

Its my LIFE – Dożywocie! Fragmenty książki Polki skazanej za morderstwo! | The Polish Telegraph

Its my LIFE – Dożywocie! Fragmenty książki Polki skazanej za morderstwo! | The Polish Telegraph

Source: www.thepolishtelegraph.co.uk/wiadomosci/artykul/175-its-my-life-dozywocie-fragmenty-ksiazki-polki-skazanej-za-morderstwo

‘Every Women – Every Story’ – a supplement of the post from May 9, 2018

On May 9, 2018, we’ve published a post:

Special meeting of all women prisoners – Martha understands very little

Today was a meeting of every woman prisoner, held in the gym.
Everyone who wanted to come.
We’re not sure of the occasion or the purpose of this meeting.
It is possible that it was held on the occasion of 100 anniversary of gaining rights by women in Ireland.
The meeting happened on 10 a.m. and lasted until 11:40a.m.

Read more…

Now we publish a supplement:

Every woman – every story

Source: http://www.wgpa.ie/every-woman-every-story/

Toward a Trauma – Responsive Criminal Justice System: Why, How – Dublin Castle Conference Centre 4th July, 2018 – Governor Mary O’Connor