My fiance is also in prison. He too is committed to non violence, as the reason he is there is due to a horrific act that happened while he was having a psychotic episode triggered by magic mushrooms but also affected by existing mental illness (that I witnessed). It was only time he has ever been violent to someone (but it was really bad), so he’s not in a cycle of violence, and it’s not hard for him to say no to violence. That said, he and I have spoken on the phone while he’s been in jail and then prison, for the past 2.5 years, every day. And so I know what it’s like there too and how violent the culture can be. Luckily my partner is an expert at martial arts so he knows how to defend himself if necessary, but he doesn’t seek out violence at all. So far, while he’s been attacked a couple of times, he has managed to stay mostly out of the violence that other inmates engage in. He’s converted to Jainism which is that you never hurt any being, whether human or animal, so he’s a vegan. He’s also been trying to use reason and ethics to deprogram his cellmates away from gang mentalities.

He wants to create a group in prison to teach men non violent methods of dealing with anger and negative feelings through meditation. Hopefully it works.

My sympathies to you for the struggle. I know how hard it must be. And with a child it must be even harder. But if the person is truly a good man at heart, and committed to rehabilitation and self improvement, as your man seems to be, and mine certainly is, I think it’s worth it.