Women are swept into the criminal justice system because of poverty, domestic abuse, racism, mental ill health and insecure housing. Most for nonviolent offences linked to survival. We support at least 2000 women each year in prison, through the gate and in the community, alongside campaigning work.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Women are arrested, sentenced and imprisoned as a result of unmet needs such as domestic abuse, trauma and homelessness. Nearly 70% of women in prison have experienced abuse, and almost half leave prison without stable housing. Many are criminalised for actions linked to survival: coercion by abusive partners, self-defence, or poverty-driven behaviours like theft or substance use. Rather than support, women are criminalised and often traumatised further because of contact with the justice system
Women in Prison works in prison and in the community, addressing the root causes of offending, supporting women after contact with the justice system. Through specialist support across housing, trauma, domestic abuse and mental health, we help women move beyond crisis. We deliver the skills, resources and safe spaces for women to rebuild their lives on their own terms. We prioritise lived experience voices enabling us to campaign for change, so that fewer women are harmed by the justice system