Prison Inmates' Wives Show Routine on TikTok

They record the preparation of care packages, prison visits and episodes of prejudice

São Paulo

Visual for the day of the prison visit, preparation of care packages for her husband and account of the letters she receives are shared by Letícia Nascimento, 27, on TikTok, a network in which she has about 100,000 followers.

She and other sisters-in-law —a term used by prisoners' wives, since those incarcerated consider themselves brothers—produce content for networks in which they present the routine with short videos. In them, they try to show happiness after a conjugal visit to the sad days they spend away from their husband.

CARAPICUÍBA / SÃO PAULO / BRASIL - 18/05/22 - :00h - Leticia Nascimento, 27. ( Foto: Karime Xavier / Folhapress) . - Folhapress

It is common to find videos to the sound of funks such as "Casa de Pedra," by MC Bobô, who says "a stage there in suffering, only those who passed inside really know" and posts accompanied by hashtags such as #MulherDePreso, #LiberaOPresoSeuJuiz and #AmorAtrasDasGrades .

Partners know about the content they post and usually find it funny or even see a possibility that they can leverage a career as a digital influencer — some already partner with makeup brands or beauty services on their profiles.

Married to Matheus since August 2021, dental assistant Letícia says that the ceremony took place almost as she asks for the script: she had a party and she was accompanied by her family. "The only thing missing was the groom," she laughs, remembering that the spouse could not attend because he was incarcerated.

Letícia Nascimento says she prefers to make fun of her problems. After all, the burden of maintaining a relationship with someone in prison is heavy enough.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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