Dangerous Women: Confronting Stereotypes and Criminalization in the Legal System

This presentation explores how deeply rooted biases against women and girls, especially those impacted by incarceration, institutionalization, and systemic violence, continue to shape harmful responses within the criminal legal system.

Presenters will unpack the adultification of girls, the pathologizing of trauma through personality disorder diagnoses, and the ongoing criminalization of substance use, and survival. Particular attention will be given to how survivors of trafficking are often punished instead of protected, further entrenching cycles of harm.

Hosted by ARC, Inc., Marci Marie Simmons, Director of Community Engagement at Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance, and Jennifer Toon, Texas Program Director at the After Violence Project, this talk blends lived experience with systems insight to challenge dominant narratives and offer practical, person-centered alternatives.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to recognize and interrupt bias, both personal and institutional, and how to build approaches rooted in healing, dignity, and equity.

Click here to register!

Please be advised that this webinar will include discussion of sensitive topics, including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, violence, and other potentially distressing subject matter related to the experiences of impacted individuals.

While this information is important for effective client advocacy, we recognize it may be difficult for some participants. Please take care of your well-being and feel free to step away from the session if needed.

This webinar will be recorded. CLE credits are not available for this seminar; however, a letter of attendance will be provided upon request to Mary at [email protected].

Presenter Bios

Marci Marie Simmons, Director of Community Engagement, Lioness

A survivor of ten years in a Texas prison, Marci dedicates her voice to educating the public about the realities of incarceration, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by women in prison. Leveraging her extensive experience and platform as a social media influencer—with almost 300,000 followers on TikTok—and as co- host of On the Rec Yard: Women’s Prison Podcast, she passionately advocates for criminal justice reform. Her work focuses on driving systemic change, empowering marginalized communities, and utilizing digital platforms to inspire action for social justice.

While incarcerated, Marci met her wife, and their story exemplifies resilience and love in the face of adversity. Known for her joyful disposition and openness, she prioritizes healing within her family and community while advocating for those most affected by the criminal justice system.

Additionally, Marci serves on the board of The Second Chancer Foundation.

Check out Marci’s Youtube Channel to access her podcasts, videos, and interviews with system impacted individuals

Jennifer Toon, Executive Director, Lioness

Jennifer Toon is the Community Advocacy Manager at After Violence Project and the Executive Director of Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance. She is a passionate prison abolitionist. As a formerly incarcerated woman, her experience with the criminal legal system began at age 15 when she was adjudicated under Texas determinate sentencing laws. Her conviction started a long journey through 27 years of criminal justice involvement. Jennifer has been published in The Texas Observer, The Marshall Project, The Guardian and is also the co-host of On the Rec Yard: Women’s Prison Podcast. Jennifer aspires to use her lived experience to bring attention to the often-forgotten voices of other system-impacted women, youth, and people with disabilities. She lives in Austin, Texas with her cat Taylor, who embodies the mischievous energy of Taylor Swift.