During 3 years, Ana María Arévalo Gosen undertook a reckless project. She photographed women in pretrial detention centres in Venezuela. Her works highlights one of the deep causes for the crisis in Venezuela. The Justice System takes away the rights of the poorest and the most vulnerable members of the society, that is to say women.
Deaths due to malnutrition, infectious diseases and riots. Severe overcrowding and extreme precariousness of sanitary facilities. Idle time occupation. Cases of violence and torture. Families have abandoned the incarcerated women once they are inside the system. Or they are detained far away from their homes, making it difficult for family visits, which they depend on for food and water. Survive through this experience requires contact with the outside world.
Their stay in these centres should not last more than 45 days. In reality, procedure delays can last for months or even years.
Ana spent days in the cells with these women. They shared their experiences with her, she told hers too. She was looking for intimacy and trust. These are women of modest origin. Their biographies have been marked by family abandonment, sexual abuse, violent treatment. They are accused of drug smuggling, robbery, kidnapping, infanticide, terrorism or homicide.
This work was recognized by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting Travel Grant, Women Photograp and Nikon Grant in 2018.