From 1896 to 1964 Canada jailed thousands of women without trial if they were suspected of “undesirable social behavior.” Such as having premarital sex or being in interracial relationships. The women were sent to reform prisons, where they were beaten and drugged to learn subservience.

History /

Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women The original Mercer Reformatory superintendent’s house survives at Fraser and King. The Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women was a women’s (16 years of age or older) prison in Toronto, Canada. At various times, the facility was also known as the Mercer Complex, Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Females, and Andrew Mercer […]

From 1896 to 1964 Canada jailed thousands of women without trial if they were suspected of “undesirable social behavior.” Such as having premarital sex or being in interracial relationships. The women were sent to reform prisons, where they were beaten and drugged to learn subservience. Read More »